A new illustrated picture book by literacy advocate, retired corporate executive and president of the Trenton Literacy Movement, Edward W. Bullock captures a young African American’s childhood adventures to visit his grandpa’s farm. This inspirational and moving story is about three generations of love, laced with traditions, family values and colorful illustrations as told through the eyes of the main character, Warren.
“If you want to inspire the next generation you must first meet them, reach them, teach them from where they are and only then can you take them to new adventures and new destinations. The joy of reading is the first step in this journey toward new adventures and new destinations,” Bullock said.
When asked why a picture book, Bullock responded that after several years of reading children’s picture books throughout central New Jersey, he came to understand that for many in our community there were not enough picture books with people of color as a character and certainly not as the main character. At a Juneteenth event in 2022, held at Mill Hill park in Trenton, New Jersey, Bullock engaged two authors of children’s books about his observation and they encouraged him to write his own children’s picture, which led to the publication of “Warren Goes to Grandpa’s.”
Edward W. Bullock is a husband, father and grandfather (Pop-Pop) to three beautiful granddaughters. After his retirement from the world’s largest cosmetic company, Loreal, as Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion, Mr. Bullock considered writing children’s books. He would often visit local schools and read for Read Across America and Drop Everything and Read. Over the last decade Mr. Bullock has read to over 500 elementary school children throughout Trenton and the Mercer County area.
“My passion for reading to children is and has been fueled by their excitement and energy in response to listening as I read a favorite picture book and watch light bulbs of imagination flick on as they explore new horizons, new destinations and new possibilities brought to life in the pages of a picture book. We also know that The National Institute for Literacy identifies reading as a gateway to future success in school and in life.”
For more information on “Warren Goes to Grandpa’s,” visit www.edwardwbullock.com
