Taking my daughter to the bookstore changed my life.
In 2012, my daughter wanted a dinosaur book. We walked into our favorite bookstore at the time and as we searched the shelves, I noticed a glaring absence of Black and Brown faces in the books. Instead of complaining, I decided to write a book. I had no experience with publishing, but something within me—a long-suppressed artist's spirit—pushed me to try.
That snap decision sparked a journey. My first book, The Family Jones and Eggs of Rex, took years to complete. Along the way, I learned hard lessons about storytelling, working with illustrators, raising funds, and navigating the publishing process. From Craigslist connections to word-of-mouth marketing, I sold books out of my car and hustled to spread my message.
In 2016, I published my second book, Why is Jane So Mad?, and traveled to the Toronto Urban Book Expo. Inspired, I launched the Seattle Urban Book Expo to amplify Black and Brown voices in my community. That first event, held in October 2016, featured eight authors and welcomed over 250 attendees. Each year, the expo grew. Click here to learn more about S.U.B.E.
As of 2025, I have published five children’s books, written a comic book, and helped countless people in my community work toward their dreams of becoming literary artists.
This journey has taught me resilience, fueled my creativity, and reminded me that representation matters. Through books, storytelling, and events, I’ve found my calling: to uplift, inspire, and create spaces for voices that deserve to be heard.
The day that changed everything!
I have teamed up with publisher, Melanin Origins, to share a story to be apart of their Ma'at Series.
Help Princess Nubia find the missing crown of the Hippo King, before big trouble hits the Golden River Kingdom!
I have teamed up with publisher, Melanin Origins, to share a story to be apart of their Ma'at Series.
Help Princess Nubia find the missing crown of the Hippo King, before big trouble hits the Golden River Kingdom!
"The Adventures of Lil Big Fella" From the mind of Chunkundi "Kun Luv" Salisbury, written by Jeffrey Lee Cheatham II
What Happened When Charlie Met Claire is my next children's book. The story is about a bear that teaches a bird about the consequences of judging animals by their appearance and rumors.
What Happened When Charlie Met Claire is my next children's book. The story is about a bear that teaches a bird about the consequences of judging animals by their appearance and rumors.
When a friend goes away, how do you let them know that you have more to say? "Hi Blue Sky" shares the story about Keke as she asks for the aid of the Blue Sky to deliver one last message to her best friend, Tay, who left their magical treehouse without saying goodbye."Hi Blue Sky" is a book with the intention of educating children about grieving when losing a loved one.
Chad is trying to figure out why his best friend Jane is so upset. Balloons in her favorite color don’t do the trick. Making silly faces and turning cartwheels for her amusement are met with a stony-faced resolve that Chad just can’t seem to penetrate. In fact, nothing Chad does seems to be able to turn Jane’s frown upside-down, though th
Chad is trying to figure out why his best friend Jane is so upset. Balloons in her favorite color don’t do the trick. Making silly faces and turning cartwheels for her amusement are met with a stony-faced resolve that Chad just can’t seem to penetrate. In fact, nothing Chad does seems to be able to turn Jane’s frown upside-down, though that doesn’t stop him from trying. In "Why is Jane So Mad?", author Jeffrey Cheatham II explores the beauty of friendship and the value of human connection, while also skillfully illustrating the limitations of childhood when it comes to understanding more complex emotions.
"FAMILY IS THE MAGIC WE ALL CAN CREATE." The magic is with helping others. After a rainy night, The Family Jones discover a mysterious book and bracelet that suddenly sends them to Dinoland, where they meet Papa and Mama Rex and go on a wonderful adventure to help The Rex family recover their eggs that were taken by Terry the Pterodactyl.
I love the sky with a passion. The artwork in this book is breathtaking and the story itself is heavenly. I won't give anything away, but I will say that it connected with me spiritually.
This is a brilliant book for young people. It's filled with great ethical lessons and an emphasis on the importance of family, forgiveness, acceptance, and love. I am especially happy that the book portrays people of color in positive roles.
I ordered this book for my kindergarten classroom because my student population is mostly African American. I was so glad that I did! Not only did it feature characters that look like my students (hard to find, if you can believe it), it also had great themes for the kids in my class.
Jeffrey L. Cheatham II
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