📚 In this heartwarming and culturally rich episode, Dr. Denise Nicholson welcomes author and literacy advocate Carylee Carrington, creator of the beloved children’s book You Name It, Gram Made It — inspired by the viral Shirley Caesar Thanksgiving meme.

Together they dive into:
🍽️ The connection between food, culture, and family legacy
📖 The need for more diverse children’s books featuring Black families and traditions
👵 The real-life inspiration behind Gram and the powerful role of matriarchs
🍗 Jamaican cuisine, gratitude, and giving back to the community
👦 How Carylee’s sons helped shape her characters — and even edit her books!

Carylee shares how her mother’s generosity and ministry work inspired the book’s message of love, inclusion, and feeding both the stomach and the soul. This episode is a celebration of legacy, representation, and storytelling that nourishes the next generation.

💡 Whether you're a parent, author, educator, or book lover, this conversation will leave you inspired to protect traditions, uplift voices, and boldly write YOUR story.

📍 Connect with Carylee & find her books at: readwithcarylee.org
📍 Learn more about writing your own book with Dr. Denise at: drdenisenicholson.com

✨ Because every story matters — and nobody can tell yours like you.