Erica London is a renowned children’s author. Through her ingenious narratives and compelling stories, she manages to paint a picture in a child’s mind, teaching them valuable life lessons while keeping them entertained. Among her renowned titles are beloved children’s books like Missing You, Stuck in the Middle, My Many Hats, and A Mom of Four. The CEO of Colour Their World, which is also her YouTube channel, aims to educate and inspire children. Her journey into children’s literature began with a YouTube platform filled with educational, interactive, and entertaining content. Through vibrant character narration and engaging music, London’s channel brings diverse children’s books to life. London’s efforts have caught the attention of Toronto Public Library and elementary schools, further cementing her influence as a champion of children’s literature. Below, she speaks to us about her interest in writing children’s literature and her renowned YouTube channel Colour Their World.
What inspired your transition from the healthcare sector to the literary world?
Working full-time in the medical field was rewarding and fulfilling, but the pandemic forced me to reassess my priorities. With schools shifting to virtual learning, my husband and I decided that I would take on the role of being present for our children. So, I traded my scrubs for a teacher’s hat. During this time, I felt compelled to create something meaningful—something my children could be proud of.
Writing had always been a passion of mine, but I never pursued it due to time constraints. Being home allowed me to observe gaps in the educational system from a literary perspective. There were fundamental lessons I felt my children were missing, and that realization motivated me to create books that emphasized the importance of reading as a cornerstone of their future.
What inspired you to write your first children’s book?
In October 2019, I lost my uncle due to illness. The result was me having three traumatized children asking, “Where did Uncle go?” Trying to find children’s books to assist in navigating their grief was not only difficult to find, but it appeared that finding any with black characters seemed to be non-existent. It’s important for me as a mother that they see themselves in and on the things they are viewing. I mean, this would essentially shape the men and women they would become. Instead of complaining, I decided I would bring about a solution to my newfound problem. I wrote a children’s book. Missing You is a poetry book that was written to assist children in navigating their way through experiencing the loss of a loved one. It is followed by facts and questions that the reader can engage in conversation with the child.
What sparks your creativity when brainstorming new children’s books?
My children are my greatest source of inspiration. Externally, Reading Rainbow, hosted by LeVar Burton, has been a significant influence. As a child, I watched the show religiously. LeVar’s ability to make reading feel magical deeply resonated with me and continues to fuel my desire to explore the wonderful world of words.
How do you ensure your content stands out in a competitive space?
This is a constant consideration. I strive to create content that is engaging, culturally authentic, and relevant while staying true to my personal values. Music, storytelling, and relatable themes play an integral role 60 Summer in capturing my audience’s attention. For example, Missing You addresses the loss of a loved one, while Stuck in the Middle explores the experience of being a middle child. My upcoming book tackles the complexities of living in two homes due to divorce.
What challenges arise from including your children in your YouTube videos?
A key benefit is the candid feedback I receive from my children, which helps me ensure the content is relatable and genuine. I make it a priority to keep the footage authentic and unscripted. While they occasionally surprise me with their reactions, I cherish their involvement because it offers valuable insight into how children perceive and interact with the material.
What’s the most rewarding part of your journey as a children’s author?
Seeing the positive impact my work has on children and families is incredibly rewarding. When parents tell me my books helped their child open up about their feelings or when a child says they see themselves in a story, it reaffirms why I started this journey. Moments like these remind me that storytelling truly has the power to heal, connect, and inspire.
Greg Duke | Contributing Writer
