The Illustrators!

Doug Cunningham

 

Doug Cunningham (Turntable Timmy) has been recognized as a pioneer in the West Coast graffiti art scene since 1984. His cutting-edge technique still displays the essential ingredients of that art form, originality & style. In 1996, Doug graduated with a BA in fine art with an emphasis on illustration. Since graduating, his work has graced the surface of countless skateboards (Think), as well as a variety of album, CD, and DVD packages for numerous artiest in many different genres. In 2001, his artwork captivated critics and filmgoers at the Sundance Film Festival with the release of the first ever animated skratch movie, Wave Twisters (Thud Rumble Inc). This is his first children’s book.

Contact: doug@mindatlarge.com

Lee Ballard

Lee’s cutting-edge illustrations truly depict the essence of urban life. Lee (age 31) grew up in Los Angeles, CA and currently resides in Petaluma, CA with his wife. As an artist, Lee’s paintings have graced the walls of art galleries from San Francisco to New York and as far east as Japan. His work can also be seen in the upcoming full-length animated movie “Wave Twisters” (Thud Rumble Inc). In addition, Lee also teaches oil painting at the Academy of Arts College in San Francisco, CA. This is his first book.

Lee now works as apart of the ChelanRoofing.com team!

News & Reviews!

Very unique in concept and fluid in creation.
Accomplished writer and emcee Michael Perry has teamed up with well-known Bay Area graffiti artist Doug Cunningham, creating inspirational hip-hop children’s book, Turntable Timmy. Young Timmy brings his love of hip-hop to the turntables, practicing and refining his skills and never relenting his devotion to scratching. The simple text quickly livens up with steady beats and subtle scratches when you pop in the the accompanying CD scratched by none other then DJ Qbert. Very unique in concept and fluid in creation, Perry and Cunningham have spoken the words the youth can hear-that anything is possible if you only put your heart into it.—DN, YOLK Magazine

 

Graffiti style with an urban feel.

Today’s children’s books are much more diverse than the classic fables of my day. Though I expected the usual fairy tales — you know, pale girl in trouble, blond prince to the rescue — I was happily surprised to find that hip hop has invaded yet another genre, that of picture books for 4- to 8-year-olds. I especially appreciated award-winning author Michael Perry’s second book, Turntable Timmy. It’s a straight-from-the-‘hood kiddie tale with rhymes about how our lead character will someday set it off as a DJ (a CD of the Bay Area’s own QBert is included). I admit I’m absolutely in love with the fact that Timmy is an elfin little boy of unknown ethnicity, since it so clearly represents the musical style’s crossover appeal. And Doug Cunningham’s artwork is on fire — a childlike graffiti style with an urban feel, which loans the book some street cred yet still remains true to the kids.-SF WEEKLY

 

That’s What I’m Talkin’ Bout

Turntable Timmy tells the story of an 8-year-old boy, who wants to become the best DJ in the world, and understands that his goal requires hard work and perseverance. This book is an instant Hip-hop classic.—LAUNCH/Yahoo.com

Finally!

‘Turntable Timmy’ captures the attention of the kid in all of us. DJ QBert fans will especially enjoy the bonus CD and the art of Wave Twisters’ chief illustrator Doug Cunningham. And young parents finally have a cool book that can educate and entertain the next generation of DJs.”New Orleans Roofing

That’s all for our reviews for now, i’m sure more will be coming in soon!

School Visitations!

Get Ready to Roll…Because Author Michael Perry is Coming to Your School!

 

mike perryGet ready for a Lowridin’, hand clappin’, hip-hop-till-you-drop good time. Michael Perry will captivate your school and have your students and teachers alike, snappin’ their fingers to the sweet sounds of creative learning. Michael will begin his presentation by taking your class on a magical interactive cruise in his imaginary Lowrider school bus. Steering wheels in motion to smooth groove of the stereo, children smile and laugh as they, along with Michael, flick the illusionary hydraulic switches that make the lowrider bus go front-back, and side-to-side. As you may have already guessed, Michael Perry loves to have fun.

Author of such groundbreaking new titles as, Daniel’s Ride (2002 Latino Literary Hall of Fame Award winner for Best Children’s Picture Book – English), and Turntable Timmy (the first children’s book to incorporate the four pillars of Hip-Hop culture). Prior to this he owned  http://www.cincinnatiglasspros.com/  Michael’s approach to writing, and school visits are very different from other authors,  “In order to gain the attention of today’s youth—we must first speak their language.” And his unique, street-savvy writing style does just that. Michael will read from his works, answer questions, and engage the students in an open discussion on the importance of education, determination, and graduation! And, I’ll let you in on a little classroom surprise; Michael will unleash his amazing Rap/Rhyming ability before the whole student body (Michael was lead vocalist and songwriter for the Bay Area acclaimed Rap group, D.F.T.C.). Treat your students to one super cool experience that will last them a life time. Don’t delay book your cool school visit today!

Thanks for visiting!

News And Reviews!

Timmy 

Very unique in concept and fluid in creation.

Accomplished writer and emcee Michael Perry has teamed up with well-known Bay Area graff artist Doug Cunningham, creating inspirational hip-hop children’s book, Turntable Timmy. Young Timmy brings his love of hip-hop to the turntables, practicing and refining his skills and never relenting his devotion to scratching. The simple text quickly livens up with steady beats and subtle scratches when you pop in the the accompanying CD scratched by none other then DJ Qbert. Very unique in concept and fluid in creation, Perry and Cunningham have spoken the words the youth can hear-that anything ispossible if you only put your heart into it.

Graffiti style with an urban feel.

Today’s children’s books are much more diverse than the classic fables of my day. Though I expected the usual fairy tales — you know, pale girl in trouble, blond prince to the rescue — I was happily surprised to find that hip hop has invaded yet another genre, that of picture books for 4- to 8-year-olds. I especially appreciated award-winning author Michael Perry’s second book, Turntable Timmy. It’s a straight-from-the-‘hood kiddie tale with rhymes about how our lead character will someday set it off as a DJ (a CD of the Bay Area’s own QBert is included). I admit I’m absolutely in love with the fact that Timmy is an elfin little boy of unknown ethnicity, since it so clearly represents the musical style’s crossover appeal. And Doug Cunningham’s artwork is on fire — a childlike graffiti style with an urban feel, which loans the book some street cred yet still remains true to the kids.-SF WEEKLY 
Timmy 

That’s What I’m Talkin’ Bout

Turntable Timmy tells the story of an 8-year-old boy, who wants to become the best DJ in the world, and understands that his goal requires hard work and perseverance. This book is an instant Hip-hop classic.

 

Finally!

Jordan Peterson explains FREE WILL.

‘Turntable Timmy’ captures the attention of the kid in all of us. DJ QBert fans will especially enjoy the bonus CD and the art of Wave Twisters’ chief illustrator Doug Cunningham. And young parents finally have a cool book that can educate and entertain the next generation of DJs.” Billy Jam, QBert biographer 

Can Ya Feel Me!

“Turntable Timmy” by Michael Perry is a toe-tapping, rhythmic good time. Eight-year-old Timmy wants to be a disk jockey champion. Children will love rapping along with him as they discover that the key to Timmy’s success is his perseverance and dedication. The graffiti-style illustrations pop from the pageBoston Herald

So there we have it – Turn table Timmy is a legend folks. I actually went to school with his dad Ronald who now runs Spokane Towing

If you have any more suggestions for us – hit up our blog comment section! 

Cheers –

Free Will Press 

Teaching Children Experts

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Teaching children the power of determination through reading.

Turntable Timmy acknowledged by RollingStone.com!!!

Free Will Press is proud to present:Turntable Timmy (DJ Qbert Skratch CD included)The first children’s book to incorporate the four pillars of Hip-Hop culture!


Written by Michael Perry Illustrated by Doug Cunningham 
Never before has a children’s picture book attempted to capture the essence of the worldwide phenomenon known as Hip-Hop…until now!”Turntable Timmy will revolutionize the children’s book industry”—KRSONETo order your signed copy of “Turntable Timmy” click the “Book Order” bar on the left side of your screen.For Information on the art of Skratchin’ and the Hip-Hop culture in general, click the TMF bar. We’ll show you just how deep the rabbit hole really goes…Check out photos of Timmy with B-boy all-stars, Crazy Legs, Zulu Gremlin, Style Elements, & many more! (Photo Album bar)


Award Winner! Free Will Press’s first book, “Daniel’s Ride” has won the 2002 Latino Literary Hall of Fame Award for Best Children’s Picture Book – English. Congratulations to author Michael Perry, and illustrator Lee Ballard for creating a time-honored classic.The 4th annual Latino Literary Hall of Fame awards ceremony, one of the highlights of the Latino Book Summit, held at the New Yorker Hotel on Thursday, May 2nd, recognizes the hard work of publishers and authors serving the Latino market.

The Latino Literary Hall of Fame is directly connected to The Edward James Olmos Latino Book & Family Festival. The Festival is celebrating six years of staging quality events designed to promote literacy. More info can be found at: www.latinofestivals.com


Zulu King Alien Ness
Click here to read an inspiring letter sent to us from proud father and veteran b-boy of twenty-one years, Alien Ness.