A picture book artist bids a poignant farewell to Bowie; a school event sends readers home happy; middle grade readers get pageant-ready at a book party; and fans enjoy a cozy, crafty book launch.
Star Man
Author-illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka joined the legions of David Bowie fans paying tribute through social media to the singer-songwriter and cultural icon, who died on January 11. Krosoczka created and posted on Facebook an original illustration of Bowie – from the Ziggy Stardust era – that references the 1976 film, The Man Who Fell to Earth, starring Bowie. The piece is also an homage to Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s The Little Prince. After the posting went viral (it has been viewed by more than 12 million people on Facebook) with many requesting prints of the piece, Krosoczka responded that there will not be, as the piece is a “personal tribute to Mr. Bowie,” adding “May I suggest instead that you purchase a copy of The Little Prince from your local bookshop, or perhaps look for it at your local library.”
Spies in Tiaras
Kristen Kittscher celebrated the release of her middle grade mystery The Tiara on the Terrace (Harper), a sequel to The Wig in the Window, on January 3. The event took place at the Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena, Calif., and was packed with a crowd of more than 250 people. Many of Kittscher’s fans dressed in paper tiaras and went on sleuthing missions like the book’s main characters, Sophie and Grace. The launch party kicked off Kittscher’s multi-city “Royally Fun Reads” tour with fellow Harper authors Anne Nesbet (The Wrinkled Crown) and Jennifer Lynn Alvarez (the Guardian Herd series).
In a Sea of Readers
Author Chris Grabenstein visited Castleton Elementary School in Castleton-on-Hudson. N.Y., for the launch of Mr. Lemoncello’s Library Olympics (Random House) on January 7. The school raised money from donors to purchase 430 copies of the book, which Grabenstein autographed. The books were given to each student, from kindergarten through fifth grade, at the assembly. Here, Grabenstein is surrounded by enthusiastic readers.
A Silly, Wonderful Launch
Anderson’s Book Store in Naperville, Ill., hosted a party for Sherri Duskey Rinker, author of Silly Wonderful You (HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray) on January 9. The book is illustrated by Patrick McDonnell. Rinker (seen here) read to attendees, who also enjoyed treats, a picture frame craft activity, and even a mini-session with a family photographer on-hand, Edward Weiland.
