His legacy will continue to enlighten and to inspire for generations to come.”Ĭooper was a Tulsa, Oklahoma, native who drew upon his grandfather’s memories in illustrating Weatherford’s book on the 1921 tragedy. “A devoted family man and genuine friend, Floyd was a gifted illustrator and truth-teller. “His cinematic illustrations brought stories to life and held readers close,” Weatherford said. She did not immediately provide further details.

He was 65.Īuthor Carole Boston Weatherford, whose “Becoming Billie Holiday” and “Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre” were illustrated by Cooper, told The Associated Press in an email that he died early Friday after being ill with cancer for several months. Cooper captures each moment.NEW YORK (AP) - Floyd Cooper, an award-winning illustrator and author of children’s books whose mission to offer candid and positive images of Black history included subjects ranging from Frederick Douglass and the civil rights movement to Venus and Serena Williams, has died. 'Many children experience parental weddings, and these times are filledwith joy and nervousness. A solid purchase for any picture book collection.'- School Library Journal 'Children will identify readily with Jackson’s fears and enjoy the way he overcomes them. A heartening, reassuring picture book.'- Booklist 'Written with simplicity, immediacy, and warmth.Cooper creates beautiful effects with subtle colors, textures, and suffused light in the soft-focus paintings. Readers will be joining the congregation in cheering for Jackson.'- Kirkus Reviews

'Throughout, Cooper's softly textured mixed-media illustrations offer a warm, affirming depiction of this black family's life and love together. In a celebration of blended families, this heartwarming story, stunningly illustrated by the award-winning Floyd Cooper, is a perfect gift for any child who's nervous to walk down the aisle at a wedding, and shows kids that they can handle life’s big changes. What if he trips? Or walks too slowly? Or drops the rings? And what about his new stepsister, Sophie? She’s supposed to be the flower girl, but Jackson’s not sure she’s taking her job as seriously as she should. Jackson’s mama is getting married, and he gets to be the ring bearer. Mama’s getting married, and Jackson has an important job to do! A story about love, weddings, and the special joy that is a blended family.

The Ring Bearer by Floyd Cooper