Hello, Mister Blue

Daria Peoples grew up in Paso Robles, California, and is the daughter of a children's librarian. She and her two younger brothers grew up on gumbo and red beans and rice in a household rich with culture. She has a degree in English from UC Santa Barbara. Daria Peoples earned her master's in education from Regis University and worked for ten years as a middle school teacher. She lives in Las Vegas, Nevada, and is the author-illustrator of This Is It; I Got Next; America, My Love, America, My Heart; and Hello, Mister Blue.

Daria Peoples grew up in Paso Robles, California, and is the daughter of a children's librarian. She and her two younger brothers grew up on gumbo and red beans and rice in a household rich with culture. She has a degree in English from UC Santa Barbara. Daria Peoples earned her master's in education from Regis University and worked for ten years as a middle school teacher. She lives in Las Vegas, Nevada, and is the author-illustrator of This Is It; I Got Next; America, My Love, America, My Heart; and Hello, Mister Blue.

"A story to help us see those whom we often don't. . . . Peoples's profoundly moving and highly textured oil paintings encourage readers to slow down and absorb the details . . . A visually stunning narrative that poses hard questions with no easy answers and highlights hope despite hardship." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"An energetic, curious girl . . . meet[s] Mister Blue, an old friend of Papa's who is unhomed . . . The energetic style exudes joy, hope, and celebration . . . Picture books that emphasize understanding and fully embracing the humanity of people who have been traditionally marginalized are still far too rare, and Peoples has added a gem of a story to the mix." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred review)

"A child spends the day with their beloved Papa . . . playing violins with him outdoors, and meeting Papa's friend, Mister Blue, a talented musician who is unhoused. . . . Though Papa offers reassurance, the child protagonist has questions about whether Mister Blue is safe outside, or scared, lonely, cold, or hungry. These queries culminate in the two inviting Mister Blue inside and out of the rain, and Mister Blue becoming the child's friend, too. . . . Artfully emphasiz[es] the importance of uniting a community of ages and experiences." - Publishers Weekly

"A young Black girl cherishes her time with her papa. . . . One day, they are joined by Mister Blue. . . . She notices that Mister Blue lives outside, and as the weather turns rainy . . . Her compassion for Papa's friend leads to an act of kindness-and a new friendship of her own. . . . Bright and lively oil paint and graphite illustrations [add] greatly to the overall story . . . The last image is a brilliant spread of the ultimate jam session, with all the joy that music and friendship can bring." - Horn Book Magazine