The library hosted a special guest today—author and illustrator Nikkolas Smith—who was in town to promote his new hardcover children’s book, “The History of We,” which was released for sale today by Kokila Publishers, an imprint of Penguin Random House. The book centers on the origins of humanity in Africa and considers the bravery and ingenity it took to create the first art, the first tools and the first medicine. The text of the book is incorporated into Smith’s full canvas paintings that comprise the pages of the book. In addition to discussing the process of creating his new book, Smith offered some advice to the students who attended today’s hour-long session during sixth period. “Find out what your passion is,” he told the student, “and go in that direction.” While he was working as an architect at Disney, Smith started creating individual works of art at nights and on the weekends and then posting them every Sunday. He urged the artists in the room to “consistently make ...