What Is Light?

This lyrical and luminously illustrated picture book explores the beauty of the everyday moments in a child’s world.

Light can be so many things! The twinkle of a faraway star, a firefly captured in a jar, a mother’s love, a turtle dove...

Through this thoughtful and celebratory book, young readers will discover the special glow in everything from nature to the smiles of loved ones. Each page reveals a different sparkle found in a child’s simple but extraordinary world. The light revealed on the final page makes a fitting finale for this sweet, bright tale.

Markette Sheppard is an Emmy Award–winning journalist and children’s book author. Her bestselling debut book, What Is Light?, inspired children to discover the light within through everyday surroundings. Markette is also founder of The GLOW Brands, LLC, a media company aimed at illuminating perspectives around the world. She earned a master of arts degree in interactive journalism from American University in Washington, DC, and a bachelor’s in communications and French from California State University Dominguez Hills. Markette lives in Maryland with her husband and son.

Cathy Ann Johnson received her BFA from Columbus College of Arts and Design. She spent several years at Hallmark Greeting Cards, where she honed her skills crafting emotional content that speaks to children. Her ability to work in a range of styles merited her a position in Hallmark’s Center of Excellence. Cathy Ann loves connecting words to pictures, and her whimsical and lyrical style focuses on layouts that echo a child’s perspective. Her work has appeared in children’s books, magazines, posters, home décor, gifts, and more. She currently works from a small Crayola box located in downtown Decatur, Georgia, as well as a satellite studio in Rome, Italy. In her spare time, Cathy Ann, her husband, and their cute doggie, enjoy roaming Rome, chasing castles in medieval towns and enjoying history, and the arts.