Carmen Denean

Carmen Denean, the creator of the beloved "Simone's Black History Adventures" series, brings her passion for education and cultural heritage to each vibrant page. Born and raised in Chicago, Carmen noticed a significant gap in children's literature featuring young Black protagonists discovering their cultural history with joy and enthusiasm.

Drawing from her own experiences as a mother of two daughters, Carmen created the character of Simone, whose trademark "Wooo hoooo!" was inspired by her daughter's genuine reaction to learning something new and exciting. This authentic expression of Black joy has become a favorite moment for young readers who often mimic the phrase during story time.

Carmen weaves historically accurate information into engaging narratives that captivate children while educating them about the important contributions of Black innovators, artists, scientists, and activists. Her meticulous research ensures that each book is not only entertaining but also serves as a valuable teaching resource.