Erica London is the CEO of Colour Their World, an author of beloved children’s books including Missing You, Stuck in the Middle, and My Many Hats, and a mom of four.
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. Her work creates opportunities for meaningful conversations on topics like grief, divorce, and other life lessons.
London’s efforts have garnered invitations to present at the Toronto Public Library and elementary schools, further cementing her influence as a champion of children’s literature.
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 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 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. I aim to craft stories that serve as a source of comfort and encouragement, empowering children to discuss the real-life challenges they face.
Additionally, I actively seek out diverse authors—self-published and well-known— from around the globe to showcase content that can transcend generations and cultures.
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 impact does Missing You have on helping parents address loss with their children?
Missing You highlights the different ways children experience grief. My hope is that it becomes a tool for parents and guardians to start meaningful conversations about loss, fostering understanding and emotional connection.
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
