Uptown

Discover the vibrant world of Harlem, New York, as seen through the eyes of one little boy who lives there.

"Uptown . . .

Harlem, New York.

Chicken and waffles.

Jazz.

Home."

Uptown is a rich mix of flavors, colors, sounds, and cultures that come together to create a vibrant community like no other in the world. Seen through the eyes of one little boy who lives there, the details of life in Harlem are as joyous as a game of basketball on a summer's afternoon and as personal as a trip to the barbershop where old-timers reminisce.

Bryan Collier's spare, poetic text and beautiful, intricate illustrations evoke every aspect of Harlem, from the legendary Apollo Theater to chocolate-colored brownstones, weekend shopping on 125th Street, and the music of Duke Ellington.

Publishers Weekly

"Collier's watercolor and collage artwork effectively blends a boy's idealism with the telling details of the city streets in this picture-book tour of Harlem," said PW. Ages 4-8. (Jan.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Bryan Collier began painting at the age of fifteen and earned a B.F.A. with honors from the Pratt Institute in New York. Mr. Collier lives in Harlem, where he directs mural programs throughout the city for any child who wants to paint. This is the first picture book he has both written and illustrated.