Christian Robinson, the award‑winning illustrator, author, animator, and designer known for his vibrant, joyful storytelling, visited Newton County Schools on May 14 to share information about his creative process and read from his books. Thanks to NEF and sponsorship from Piedmont Newton Hospital, 500 copies of Robinson’s book Dad were purchased and placed into students’ hands during his visits to Flint Hill Elementary and Live Oak Elementary. Dad is a big-hearted love letter to all of the many ways to be a dad, reflecting the range of relationships that dads, both animal and human, have with their little ones.
Born in Los Angeles and raised in a small one‑bedroom apartment shared with his brother, two cousins, aunt, and grandmother, Robinson found drawing as a way to carve out space for himself — and to imagine the kind of world he wanted to see. That early spark led him to study animation at the California Institute of the Arts, followed by work with Sesame Workshop and Pixar Animation Studios before becoming one of the most celebrated illustrators in children’s literature. Today, Robinson is based in Oakland, California, where he continues to create books, art, and even a collection for Target featuring more than 70 items for kids and babies.
By bringing a nationally acclaimed creator to Newton County and distributing copies of Dad, NEF continues to strengthen literacy, creativity, and joyful learning across the district.
Help bring more opportunities like this one to Newton County Schools by donating at www.newtoneducationfoundation.org/donate.