Tara Books is an independent publisher that seeks out adventurous and inspiring picture books to publish for both children and adults.  In early 2011 they were promoting a new graphic novel, I See The Promised Land: A Life of Martin Luther King, by renowned African-American writer and griot storyteller, Arthur Flowers.

Teaming up with 45^th Parallel Communications, the{SPITTING}image went to Ithaca, NY to film Arthur’s famed storytelling tradition in action.  We were not disappointed.  Arthur’s impressive vocal stylings and keen wit combine to create a vivid interpretation of the life of Dr. King.  And Arthur’s words combined with artist Manu Chitrakar’s fantastical images create the book that is the basis for this storytelling video:

Arthur also does a riotous performance of  his “Jungle Song.”  Check it out:

And here are a few candids  from the shoot in Ithaca.  Needless to say, it was snowy.