Little Selma Makes Her Mark

The Childhood Story of Artist Selma Burke

Written by L. Melissa Smith

Every great artist begins with a little imagination.

Before Selma Burke became a celebrated American sculptor, she was a curious little girl growing up in Mooresville, North Carolina.

She loved exploring the world around her, noticing shapes, discovering textures, and transforming ordinary clay into extraordinary creations.

With imagination, determination, and a little help from her cheerful clay companion, Clay, young Selma discovers that creativity can turn even the simplest things into something wonderful.

Paperback | 64 Pages | Full Color | Grades K–2

Price: $16.99

Discover the Story Behind the Artist

A LITTLE GIRL WITH BIG DREAMS

Long before her artwork earned national recognition, Selma Burke was a child who loved to explore, observe, and create.

Growing up in Mooresville, North Carolina, Selma discovered artistic possibilities in the natural world around her. The clay she found near the creek became a way to express her imagination.

Little Selma Makes Her Mark invites young readers to experience Selma's childhood through an engaging blend of history, storytelling, colorful illustrations, and interactive moments.

Along the way, children discover that creativity isn't limited to artists. It begins with curiosity, grows through practice, and flourishes when we have the courage to explore our gifts.

This is more than the story of a little girl who loved making things.

It's a celebration of imagination, perseverance, Black American history, and the extraordinary possibilities that can grow from humble beginnings.

MEET CLAY!

Little Selma's Cheerful Creative Companion

Say hello to Clay!

Clay is a lively, curious little character who helps guide young readers through Selma's world.

He asks questions, encourages children to look closely, and reminds them that imagination can be found almost anywhere.

Whether children are discovering shapes in the clouds, exploring textures in nature, or imagining what they might create with their own hands, Clay invites them to become part of the adventure.

Clay's Message:

Look closer. Be curious. Keep creating. You never know what wonderful things you might discover!

Little Selma Makes Her Mark is designed especially for children in kindergarten through second grade.

Through an engaging childhood story, young readers can explore:

Creativity and imagination: Discovering artistic possibilities in everyday objects.
Observation and discovery: Learning to notice shapes, textures, and details.
Perseverance: Understanding that skills grow through practice.
African American and women's history: Meeting an inspiring artist whose achievements deserve recognition.
North Carolina history: Learning about Selma Burke's childhood in Mooresville.
Self-expression: Encouraging children to recognize and develop their own gifts.

Interactive questions throughout the book encourage children to participate, think creatively, and connect Selma's experiences to their own lives.

Ideal for: Elementary classrooms, school and public libraries, homeschool families, Black History Month activities, art education, and family reading.

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BRING LITTLE SELMA TO YOUR SCHOOL OR LIBRARY

Look Closer, Create & Dream!

Interested in introducing young readers to Selma Burke through storytelling, creativity, and interactive learning?

Author L. Melissa Smith welcomes inquiries about educational presentations and book-centered programs for schools, libraries, homeschool groups, and community organizations.

A proposed interactive presentation may include:

An introduction to young Selma and her hometown of Mooresville, North Carolina.
Selected readings from Little Selma Makes Her Mark.
Interactive observation and imagination activities.
Opportunities for children to explore how creativity begins.
Questions and conversation with the author.

Programs can be adapted to the age group, setting, and available time.

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