Oge

Mora

Award Winning Children’s Author

Collage Artist and Illustrator

Travels from: Providence, RI

“A joyous homage… Mora’s art casually yet vividly reminds readers of the diversity we encounter all around us, presenting her characters in all hues while acknowledging multiple languages in various cut-outs throughout.” ― Shelf Awareness

Oge Mora is a collage artist and storyteller. Her picture book, Thank You, Omu!, was a Caldecott Honor, Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award winner, and Ezra Jack Keats Book Award recipient. Her second book, Saturday won the 2020 Boston Globe—Horn Book Picture Book Award. Oge’s artwork has been applauded by The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Boston Globe. She is also a 2021 Forbes 30 Under 30 Lister in Arts & Style.

Oge grew up in Columbus, Ohio but resides in Providence, RI. She is a fan of all things colorful, patterned, or collaged, and enjoys creating warm stories that celebrate people coming together.

Oge's Featured Titles

I’m From

Balzer + Bray |

September 19, 2023

Children’s

A poetic, heartwarming ode to the small, defining moments of a boy’s life, by a critically acclaimed debut author and a Caldecott Honoree. For fans of Last Stop on Market Street.

Early morning wakeups and homemade pancakes,

Raucous bus rides and schoolyard games,

Family games and bedtime rituals…

These are the small moments that shape a child’s day. I’m From is an invitation into the vivid world of one small boy, a poetic account of all the people and places and things that shape who he is and define where he is from.

A Kentucky Bluegrass Award Nominee

BIPOC Representation, Friendship & Community, Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers, Social & Emotional Development

Saturday

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers |

October 22, 2019

Children’s

In this warm and tender story by the Caldecott Honor-winning creator of Thank You, Omu!, join a mother and daughter on an up-and-down journey that reminds them of what’s best about Saturdays: precious time together.

Today would be special. Today would be splendid. It was Saturday! But sometimes, the best plans don’t work out exactly the way you expect….

In this heartfelt and universal story, a mother and daughter look forward to their special Saturday routine together every single week. But this Saturday, one thing after another goes wrong–ruining storytime, salon time, picnic time, and the puppet show they’d been looking forward to going to all week. Mom is nearing a meltdown…until her loving daughter reminds her that being together is the most important thing of all.

Author-artist Oge Mora’s highly anticipated follow up to Caldecott Honor Thank You, Omu! features the same magnificently radiant artwork and celebration of sharing so beloved in her debut picture book.

BIPOC Representation, Friendship & Community, Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers, Parenting & Families, Social & Emotional Development

Thank You, Omu! (Caldecott Honor Book)

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers |

October 2, 2018

Children’s

A Caldecott Honor Book

In this cozy, sweet story perfect for fans of Last Stop on Market Street as well as for the Thanksgiving season, a generous woman is rewarded by her community. A Spanish edition, ¡Gracias, Omu!, is also available.

Everyone in the neighborhood dreams of a taste of Omu’s delicious stew! One by one, they follow their noses toward the scrumptious scent. And one by one, Omu offers a portion of her meal. Soon the pot is empty. Has she been so generous that she has nothing left for herself?

Debut author-illustrator Oge Mora brings to life a heartwarming story of sharing and community in colorful cut-paper designs as luscious as Omu’s stew, with an extra serving of love. An author’s note explains that “Omu” (pronounced AH-moo) means “queen” in the Igbo language of her parents, but growing up, she used it to mean “Grandma.” This book was inspired by the strong female role models in Oge Mora’s life.

BIPOC Representation, Black Voices, Food & Culinary, Friendship & Community, Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers, Parenting & Families, Social & Emotional Development

The Author Journey K-1

This presentation is appropriate for K-1. It is shorter to account for the wiggles. In this talk I talk about my childhood, how I make my collage art, my studio, and how I find/create my collage materials for my work. There is also a drawing demonstration when an easel with a sharpie and paper are provided. There is no preparation needed other than reading my books I usually recommend Thank You, Omu! and Saturday. Thiry minutes including Q&A.

The Author Journey Grades 2-5

This presentation is appropriate for grades 2-5. In this talk I talk about my childhood, the writing process, my studio, how I make my collage art, and how to make a picture book. There is also a drawing demonstration when an easel with a sharpie and paper are provided. There is no preparation needed other than reading my books I usually recommend Thank You, Omu! and Saturday. Forty-sixty minutes including Q&A.

The Author Journey K-5

This is a combination of the kindergarten and 2-5 talk geared for assemblies. PreK: I usually give my K-1 talk if PreK is combined with K for a talk. If they have their own session I will either give the K-1 talk or offer a story time, draw some doodles, and then show them how I make my collage art. I leave it looser to account for where that specific PreK is in their curriculum.

Collage Workshop (Preparation by School Required)

Oge works with students to demonstrate and help facilitate their own collage projects. Schools will need to provide materials from a material list. Very little talk, not a step-by-step workshop. Students are asked to draw something they love (or something on theme for the curriculum); this workshop is not about making art exactly like Oge Mora but following your heart creatively. Goal is for kids to understand there aren’t rules to self-expression. Preparation required by educators/school. Oge typically only does these on longer visits (i.e. 2 days or more at one school) 40-60 minutes at a time. Open-ended; appropriate for Grades K-8.

Keynotes

In her keynotes Oge discusses how collage art has informed her philosophy on life, her journey/process as an author/illustrator, and the transformative power of stories, libraries, and community. She is happy to incorporate specific tie-ins to the community and goals for the event.

“Oge Mora visited our elementary school and brought great enthusiasm and joy to our students and staff. She really is a lovely person who was extremely loving towards the students and staff. Oge was very well prepared and flexible. She took time to look at all the children’s collage art work. We loved hearing about her process and about her childhood. Would absolutely love to have Oge back at our school!” ― Holland Hill PTA, 2025

“A memorable tale of community and the unexpected rewards of sharing.” ― School Library Journal, starred review

“A lovely story of giving and community founded in Nigerian culture. Delectable.” ― Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Mora [is] a major new talent… Rhythmic, refrain like…this sweet story of inclusivity, gratitude, and delicious fellowship is also a feast for the eyes.” ― Publishers Weekly, starred review

“How wonderful: a book with both racial diversity and class diversity that feels authentic. Special and splendid.” ― Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“The family handles the stress of dashed expectations in a way that acknowledges disappointment while conveying the buoyancy of resilience and the joy of their bond. And a delightful coda may inspire readers to share the inventive way they salvage their day.” ― Publishers Weekly, starred review

“The simple yet heartfelt story tugs at the emotions, but it’s the paper collage artwork that really packs a punch. Created with acrylic paints, china markers, patterned paper, and print clippings, the bright illustrations are inventively conceived and full of motion-just the right vehicle for bringing this Black mother-daughter duo to vibrant life.” ― Booklist, starred review

“In this picture book gem from the award-winning Oge Mora, a girl and her mother anticipate Saturdays as their weekly opportunity to go on their own private adventures–big and small.” ― Shelf Awareness

Oge’s Illustrations Link

Honors, Awards & Recognition

Caldecott Honor
Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award Winner
Ezra Jack Keats Book Award Winner
Boston Globe—Horn Book Picture Book Award Winner
2021 Forbes 30 Under 30 Lister in Arts & Style
ALA Children’s Notable List Selection 2019
New York Times Notable Children’s Book of 2018
Bank Street College Best Children’s Book of 2018
Publishers’ Weekly Best Book of 2018
Boston Globe Best Children’s Book of 2018
School Library Journal Best Book of 2018
New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice Staff Pick
Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2018
2019 E.B. White Read-Aloud Award Finalist
Jumpstart Read for the Record Selection 2019
Fall 2019 Kids’ Indie Next List
New York Public Library Best Books of 2019
School Library Journal Best Picture Books of 2019
Parents Magazine 30 Best Kids’ Books of 2019
Amazon Best Children’s Book of 2-19 Ages 3-5
Kirkus Reviews Best Children’s Books of 2019
2019 Horn Book Fanfare