Kelly Starling Lyons

Kelly Starling Lyons is a founding member of The Brown Bookshelf, teaching artist and award-winning children’s book author. Her mission is to center Black heroes, celebrate family, friendship and heritage and show all kids the storyteller they hold inside. Her books include Caldecott Honor winner, Going Down Home with Daddy, Geisel Honor easy reader Ty’s Travels: Zip Zoom, acclaimed picture books, Sing a Song: How Lift Every Voice & Sing Inspired Generations, Tiara’s Hat Parade, Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon and the Jada Jones chapter book series. Lyons is the 2021 Piedmont Laureate for the Triangle area of North Carolina. Throughout her year-long tenure, she will build bridges to connect people through children’s literature. Learn more about Kelly at www.kellystarlinglyons.com.

Blog Posts by Kelly Starling Lyons

Workshops for Writers & Illustrators

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The Crash Course | The Whole Novel Workshop | Summer Camp

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Visiting Our Campus

Our campus (The Barn at Boyds Mills) is tucked away in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.  It's a few hours from both New York City and Philadelphia, but worlds away from everyday life.

Line drawing of the Barn at Boyds Mills

Our Mission in Action

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The Highlights Foundation positively impacts children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform, educate, and inspire children to become their best selves.  Learn more about our impact.

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