Ashley Bryan is an African American poet, artist, and children's book author from New York. He did not publish his first children's book until age 40, making him the first African American to publish a children's book as both the author and illustrator. His works often incorporate themes of African American history and culture through spirituals, folktales, illustrations, and lyrical elements. Some of his published books include collections of Nigerian folktales and African American spiritual songs. His books can be used in the classroom by singing the folktales and having students write about their own cultural backgrounds.