Obituary: Coleen Salley

I received word via the CCBC-net listserv that author Coleen Salley passed away on Tuesday at 12:45 p.m.  As of this writing I believe that it is too soon for the formal obituaries to go up, but she was (by all accounts) an amazing woman.  I believe I saw her speak at a William Joyce reception at ALA New Orleans a year or two ago.  Her websites list her accomplishments far better than I ever could.  Here’s a taste from the Coleen Salley/Bill Morris Literacy Foundation:

Ms. Salley was a Professor for over 30 years at the University of New Orleans and is now retired as Distinguished Professor of Children’s Literature. Ms. Salley has toured the world, spreading her joie de vivre as an envoy of reading and the oral tradition. She has performed as a storyteller at hundreds of schools, libraries and festivals including the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. She has appeared as a speaker at numerous conferences and conducted in-service workshops for teachers, librarians and, sometimes, parents.

And from her website:

At the youthful age of 72, Mrs. Salley published her first children’s book "Who’s That Tripping Over My Bridge?" illustrated by Amy Dixon (Pelican Publishing). Shortly thereafter we were introduced to the hilarious character in the award winning book "Epossumondas", illustrated by Janet Stevens (Harcourt Inc.). Epossumondas tales continue to delight everyone in "Why Epossumondas Has No Hair On His Tail" and "Epossumondas Saves The Day."

Be sure to check out the books dedicated to Ms. Salley as well.  She is going to be seriously missed.  Thanks to Rocco Staino for the correction.

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