This week, Knuffle Bunny gets a statue; a middle-grade author joins the Pride March; Charlie Chaplin gets an encore; and debut graphic novelists hit the road.
Statuesque
Children’s author Mo Willems attended the unveiling of a new statue of his beloved picture book character, Knuffle Bunny, at the Park Slope Library Garden in Park Slope, Brooklyn. The children’s tale takes place in that same neighborhood, where Willems lived for many years. The statue is a gift of the Friends of Park Slope Library and now awaits the many young fans who come to Park Slope in search of Knuffle Bunny. Photo: Seale Ballenger.
Parading with Pride
David Barclay Moore (seated, r.), author of The Stars Beneath Our Feet (Knopf, 2017), joined the New York City Pride March on June 30 as a guest of Barnes & Noble. Here, Moore celebrates with fellow authors and friends, including Katharine Duckett (second row, l.), Tee Franklin (second row, r.), Ndlela Nkobi (seated, center), and Sheila Maldonado (front row) before the float started on its route.
The Sound of Silence
Author Gary Golio (l.) and Caldecott Medalist Ed Young stopped by the Dobbs Ferry Public Library in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., on June 15 to present their new picture book biography on silent film star, director, and composer Charlie Chaplin, Smile: How Young Charlie Chaplin Taught the World to Laugh (and Cry) (Candlewick). Young dressed as Chaplin’s Little Tramp character—complete with bowler hat and cane—as the duo took part in a reading and signing.
Quoth the Raven
Author Kami Garcia (r.) and illustrator Gabriel Picolo (l.) kicked off their national book tour for Teen Titans: Raven (DC Ink)—their graphic novel debut—on June 29 in the Washington, D.C. area. Here, the co-creators are joined by a cosplaying fan at Big Planet Comics in College Park, Md. During the event, they discussed writing graphic novels for the first time and reimaging classic characters as empowering heroines. The five-city tour, which runs through July 21, will also include stops in New York City, New Orleans, Chicago, and Los Angeles, before culminating at San Diego Comic-Con. Along the way, Garcia and Picolo will appear in conversation with fellow DC authors Alys Arden, Meg Cabot, Marie Lu, and Danielle Paige.
