A Beard Like My Dad is the next children's book classic written and created by author, Washington DC native, husband and proud father of three Michael A. Warren.
Michael is a fourth generation Washington DC native and DCPS alumni elementary through high school. Since graduating from Dunbar Pre-Engineering High School, Michael has become a designer, entrepreneur and impactful business owner.
He co- founded A Life Well Dressed Company, a style as solution company with his wife Christian Warren. Through A Life Well Dressed Michael developed the popular brand emerging from Washington, DC PROPER. Making DC recognizable all over the globe.
In 2018, after becoming a father, Michael was inspired to create A Beard Like My Dad after his son (who was just months old) tugged at Michael’s beard while out during a Brooklyn stroll.
This book is diverse and special not only because of the beautiful art illustrations by prolific artist Melvin Nesbitt Jr. but A Beard Like My Dad also supports the following developmental benefits: Geographical location learnings, exposure to art and collage art, color and shape recognition, New York, culture, diversity, social emotional learning, and animal recognition.
Born in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Melvin L. Nesbitt Jr. is a studio artist based in Washington, D.C. He is a painter, illustrator, and collagist who is largely self-taught. In his thirties, he began taking art courses at the University of the District of Columbia and the Washington Studio School.
Melvin’s work has been featured in several student exhibitions at both institutions, as well as group shows in Washington, D.C., and South Carolina (including the West Main Artists Co-Op and DC Arts Center). His pieces are held in private collections across the country, including the Spartanburg County Public Library in South Carolina.
In 2018, Melvin was juried into STABLE, a community hub for the visual arts in Washington, D.C. His work has received acclaim through an extensive exhibition history at institutions such as the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts (MoCADA). He is also an Art Bank grantee and a recent fellow of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.
Melvin’s work reflects a deep affection for his community, captivating viewers with a sense of nostalgia, unity, and hope. He does not merely construct elegant collages—he builds community. His artistic practice, rooted in collage, allows him to orchestrate cohesive scenes from seemingly disparate elements. Painted paper, recycled materials, charcoal, paint, and fabric all find their place on his canvases.
A Beard Like My Dad is diverse and special not only because of the beautiful art illustrations by prolific artist Melvin Nesbitt Jr. but A Beard Like My Dad also supports the following developmental benefits for children:
Geographical location learnings, exposure to art and collage art, color and shape recognition, New York, culture, diversity, social emotional learning, and animal recognition.
Michael believes in the power of community. Through his book readings and events, he aims to foster a love for reading among children and parents while creating family connections that last a lifetime.
A Beard Like My Dad is a piece of art. Melvin used recycled materials such as newspaper and through painted paper collage Melvin built every scene by hand. The result is something that doesn't just illustrate the story, it holds it, while giving each new young reader an
introduction to fine art and their very own piece of art. Every page was created and made with intention. You can feel it when you flip
through. It's familiar. It's bold. And it reflects the kind of care we hope families feel when they read it together.
Myshelle
Yolondra
Parent Reader