Varian Johnson is the author of several novels for children and teens, including The Parker Inheritance, which won both Coretta Scott King Author Honor and Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor awards, The Great Greene Heist, and the graphic novel Twins, which he co-created with Shannon Wright. Johnson’s picture book debut, Little Big Man, is forthcoming in May, with art by Reggie Brown, whose illustration credits include the picture books Santa in the City, Tacko Fall: To New Heights, and Hey You!, and the chapter book series The Magnificent Makers. We invited Johnson and Brown to discuss their collaboration, Black joy, and father-son bonds.

Varian Johnson: I’m so thrilled that we were able to work together on Little Big Man! The book was inspired by my relationship with my father and daughters, and the balance of work and play. But I’m curious—why did you choose to illustrate this book?

Reggie Brown: When I read the manuscript it really hit home. It reminded me of growing up with a Navy dad who was gone a lot. I remember counting the days until he got back home. This story captures that feeling, and that’s why it stuck with me. I knew I had to be part of it.

Johnson: My father worked a lot, but since it was a family business, that meant that we worked a lot. And even when I was small, there was always something to do around the flower shop, whether that was sweeping the floor or breaking down boxes or running errands for the adults who were making the flower arrangements.

When I was a kid, I hated being “stuck” at the flower shop, but now that I look back, I realize how blessed I was to be able to spend so much time with my father.

When I was writing the text for Little Big Man, I didn’t have a concrete idea of how Elijah and his father would actually look, but now that I’ve seen your art, I can’t imagine them any other way. How did you develop their look? Were they inspired by anyone?

Brown: They’re not based on just one person—more like a mix of different people and family members. I wanted Elijah and his dad to look great together, but still have their own unique style.

Elijah has a round, soft look: big hair, full cheeks, and a cute face that shows his innocence. His dad is the opposite: sharp angles, strong features, and a big, solid build. He looks strong and dependable.

Since they’re both Black, I made sure their looks and haircuts felt true to that. Elijah has a fresh, playful cut that fits his energy. His dad keeps his hair sharp and clean, showing his strength and hardworking nature. But even though Dad looks tough, he’s a big teddy bear around his family.

Johnson: And I love his boots!

As big and tough as Elijah’s dad is, I think you did a wonderful job showing that he doesn’t fall into stereotypical ideals of masculinity. Daddy works outside of the home, but he also does his part and helps out at home as well—like when he cooks dinner or changes the baby’s clothes.

I also love how caring he is towards Elijah. He holds Elijah’s hand, kisses him goodnight when tucking him in, and he also is very patient as Elijah struggles with his chores. All this just makes Elijah, and us, look up to Daddy even more.

I have so many favorite images in the book, but I think my favorite is when Elijah and Daddy are brushing their teeth in the bathroom—it looks just like my bathroom counter at home.

Do you have a favorite spread?

Brown: Picking a favorite spread feels like choosing a favorite child—impossible! But if I had to, I’d go with pages 24 and 25. I love how they’re on opposite sides of the spread, but their body language and activity match perfectly. It was such a fun one to come up with and draw, and every time I see it, it makes me so happy!

I know you have so many story ideas, but do you think you’ll ever create a sequel to Little Big Man?

Johnson: I try not to think too much about sequels or companion books when I’m writing, but after it’s done, I often find myself wondering what happens next with the characters. It would be interesting to see a story about Elijah and his mother. Or maybe even Elijah and the baby. But maybe a better question would be: if I wrote another story about Elijah, would you want to illustrate it?

Brown: Yes! I absolutely adore Elijah and his family! They’re such a joy to bring to life, and every time I work on them, I feel like I get to know them a little more. There’s something so special about their dynamic. I would love to illustrate them again and explore more moments in their world.

And honestly, I’d be thrilled to work on any other story you write, Varian! Every project has its own magic, and I love the challenge of capturing that in my artwork. The stories you create are full of heart, and that’s what I love to bring to life through my illustrations.


Johnson: Okay... let’s discuss!

Little Big Man by Varian Johnson, illus. by Reggie Brown. Orchard, $18.99 May 6 ISBN 978-1-338-80743-1