About the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation
We are thrilled that the Houston Grand Opera has adapted The Snowy Day into this splendid production. The Ezra Jack Keats Foundation is proud to steward Ezra's books and legacy but this is only a part of what Ezra hoped his foundation would accomplish. Ezra wanted to "do good". To achieve that goal. the work of the EJK Foundation is to foster children's love of reading and creative expression by supporting arts and literacy programs in public schools and libraries and by cultivating new writers and illustrators of exceptional picture books that reflect our diverse population.
Our three major programs: the EJK Bookmaking Competition, the EJK Mini-Grant Program and the Ezra Jack Keats Award were designed to offer the kind of encouragement Ezra received, from his public school days to his career as an author/illustrator. Since a portion of his royalties fund our work, his books inspire children and also support these programs showing authors, illustrators, students and educators that their efforts are valuable and appreciated.
The Ezra Jack Keats Bookmaking Competition, currently an annual activity in public schools in New York and San Francisco, is open to children (grades 3 through 12), to write, illustrate and construct their own books. Over and over we hear what a life changing experience this is, for avid and reluctant readers.
Through the Ezra Jack Keats Mini-Grant program approximately 70 grants are awarded to public school teachers (preK -12) and public librarians. in 30 to 40 states, each year. The grants, of up to S500, fund a wide range of imaginative science, art and literacy programs in and out of the classroom. In addition to enriching curriculum these grants honor the educators.
Through the annual Ezra Jack Keats Award, the Foundation recognizes a new illustrator and writer of outstanding children's picture books that celebrate the diversity of our culture and the universality of the childhood experience. We aim to support the Ezra's of tomorrow!
The EJK Foundation works for inclusivity and diversity in children's literature and for quality public education. Ezra imagined a better future-our work is to help make it real.
We hope you'll visit us at: www.Ezra-Jack-Keats.org