Meet the writer behind the sleep story: Derrick Barnes

Part of the magic infused into Calm’s Sleep Stories comes from the writer. In our Meet the Writer interview series, we’re offering you a window into the brilliant hearts and minds crafting the stories that help millions of people around the world fall asleep each night.

We’re pleased to introduce children’s book author and the writer behind Percy and the Lioness, Derrick Barnes

Tell us about your career as a writer.

I have been published since 2004, but only became a full time writer in 2017 when my first picturebook (ninth title) CROWN : AN ODE TO THE FRESH CUT, won an unprecedented eight major literary awards. For the text, I won a Newbery Honor, the Ezra Jack Keats award, the Kirkus Prize for Young Readers and a Coretta Scott King Honor. 

Do you have a favorite piece of work that you are especially proud of and want to highlight?

My latest title I AM EVERY GOOD THING (Ny Times Bestseller and the 2020 Kirkus Prize for Young Readers winner) is really special to me. I write about the multifaceted, diverse, beautiful lives of Black children primarily. This book addresses and counters any and all negative stereotypes of Black boys worldwide. They are treasured, respected, and hold as much promise in the hearts of the people that love them as much as any other child of any other hue.

Of the writing you have done for Calm, is there anything you’d like to share about the work itself, or the creative process you took to complete it?

I had so much fun crafting the sleep story Percy and the Lioness. It gave me a chance to step away from the poetry and non fiction projects I was working on at the time. What can I say about having the opportunity to write a Thomas and Friends story? It was an honor for sure.