The State of Texas’ GREAT READ for 2022 is illustrated by Texarkana Native Carlynn Whitt!

The Texas Center for the Book at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission has chosen “Indelible Ann: The Larger-Than-Life Story of Governor Ann Richards” by Meghan P. Browne, illustrated by Carlynn Whitt, as the Texas Great Read for 2022. Every year, the Library of Congress asks each state Center for the Book to select one title that represents the state’s literary landscape to highlight at the National Book Festival, which showcases the importance of books and reading. This year’s selection from the state of Texas features the illustrations of Texarkana native Carlynn Whitt.
 
An award-winning illustrator, Carlynn grew up in Texarkana, TX, graduating with honors from PGISD. A graduate of UT Austin’s Plan II Honors Program, the Harvard Graduate Divinity School, and the Rhode-Island School of Design, Carlynn is the illustrator of several children’s picture books, including There’s a Baby in There! and Ballpark.   
 
Carlynn’s decision to pursue a professional art career was solidified as a young woman in Texarkana when her self-portrait in pastels was awarded Best of Show in TRAHC’s prestigious annual Juried Art Exhibition. Prior to that, as a student at PGHS, Carlynn was honored with first place honors in Texas for a piece submitted for the PTA’s reflections art contest. 
 
The 22nd Library of Congress National Book Festival will take place on September 3 in Washington, DC. Check out the Library of Congress website for details. CONGRATULATIONS to CARLYNN for this honor AND for giving us another Texarkana SUPERLATIVE to celebrate!