Recently a Caldecott Medalist celebrated his latest book release; an author made her middle grade debut; a father-daughter duo appeared on morning television; authors held a reading with activities to help the environment; middle grade authors held an event together; and publishing staffers volunteered in honor of an environmentally aware character.
A ‘Big’ Publication
On April 12, Caldecott Medalist Brian Selznick (r.) held an event at An Unlikely Story in Plainville, Mass., for the release of his new illustrated middle grade novel Big Tree (Scholastic Press). Author and bookstore owner Jeff Kinney joined Selznick in a conversation about the book, which started with an idea from director Steven Spielberg.
Middle Grade Magic
Angie Thomas (l.) visited the Beaverton, Ore., branch of Powell’s Books on April 14 to discuss her middle grade series debut, Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy (HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray). Fellow HarperCollins author Rosanne Parry (r.) spoke with Thomas about the new novel, which features a girl who aspires to be a powerful Manifestor like her father, but must go on a quest to find a rare magical tool.
Like Father, Like Daughter
Social media stars Michael Gardner and his daughter Ava made an early morning appearance, in matching outfits, on CBS Mornings on April 24 to discuss their new picture book Daddy Dressed Me, illustrated by Nadia Fisher (Aladdin). The pair talked about the inspirations behind creating clothes, and how their haircare routine made them closer. Pictured here (from l.): Michael Gardner, Ava Gardner, CBS co-hosts Vladimir Duthiers, Gayle King, Tony Dokoupil, and Nate Burleson.
Clean Your Tail Feathers
Husband-and-wife author duo John and Shaunna Stith celebrated Earth Day early with an event held at Patagonia Ventura on April 2. The authors gave a reading of their environmental picture book, illustrated by Maribel Lechuga, Black Beach: A Community, an Oil Spill, and the Origin of Earth Day (Little Bee Books).They also held a signing and attendees participated in hands-on learning activities like cleaning oil off feathers.
Furry Friends in Middle Grade
Phoenix Bookstore in Essex, Vt., welcomed guests for an event featuring M.T. Anderson and Dayna Lorentz on April 20. The authors spoke about their respective middle grade books, Elf Dog & Owl Head (Candlewick), illustrated by Junyi Wu, and Wayward Creatures (Clarion).
Speaking for the Trees
On April 24, Penguin Random House held its second annual Lorax Volunteer Day to celebrate Earth Day. PRH employees gathered at Clinton Cove in New York City’s Hudson River Park to volunteer by pulling weeds and invasive species, planting new growth, and removing trash. Here (l. to r.) Lauren Adams, Elizabeth Ward, Kate Keating, and Michelle Nagler help clean up the park.
