This week, a major winter storm doesn’t deter Wimpy Kid fans; publishing staff members can’t wait to meet an honored author; a book launch celebrates friendship; authors team up for royal fun; and authors talk shop in Texas.
No So Wimpy
Wimpy kid enthusiasts braved Winter Storm Jonas to meet author Jeff Kinney at an event sponsored by Blue Bunny Books and Toys in Dedham Square, Mass., on January 23. There were several hundred people in attendance – such a large crowd that the event had to be held off-site at a nearby church. Kinney’s visit was part of an “author exchange” between author-illustrator and Blue Bunny owner Peter H. Reynolds and Kinney, who owns the bookstore An Unlikely Story in Plainville, Mass. In the spring, Reynolds will be welcomed as a guest at An Unlikely Story. Here, Kinney (seated) and Reynolds (to his left) are flanked by Blue Bunny staff and Reynolds family members.
Worth the Wait
Kevin Henkes visited the HarperCollins children’s book offices to celebrate his Caldecott and Geisel Honors for his picture book Waiting. Henkes signed books for staff members who themselves waited patiently in line for their turns. Here, Henkes is pictured signing a book for Molly Motch, senior manager of school and library marketing.
Between Friends
Salina Yoon celebrated the launch of her new book Be a Friend (Bloomsbury) at Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena, Calif., on January 16. The party, like the book, was a celebration of friendship and included a reading by Yoon, and guest appearances by two mimes dressed as characters from the book, Dennis and Joy. During her presentation, Yoon held the mic out for a young attendee named Sawyer to ask a question.
Queens for a Day
Three HarperCollins middle grade authors are on the road for their Royally Fun Reads tour. From left: Kristen Kittscher (The Tiara on the Terrace), Anne Nesbet (The Wrinkled Crown), and Jennifer Lynn Alvarez (Landfall), spoke about their books and had some laughs at Pegasus Books in Berkeley, Calif., on January 13.
In Conference
Author Varian Johnson (To Catch a Cheat) attended the Texas Council of Teachers of English Language Arts Conference in Austin from January 22–24. Johnson (r.) participated in a panel discussion on crafting fiction with fellow authors Linda Urban (Milo Speck, Accidental Agent) and Jeff Anderson (Zack Delacruz: Me and My Big Mouth).
