Recently, an author celebrated the launch of a sequel, readers enjoyed a read-aloud, a new children’s literature festival took place, and guests made crafts at a book event.
Magic in the Air
Terry J. Benton-Walker (l.) celebrated the launch of Blood Justice (Tor Teen), the sequel to his YA fantasy debut Blood Debts, with an event on April 24 at Books of Wonder in New York City. The novel follows siblings Clement and Cristina Walker as they face the consequences of fighting for their family’s throne. Walker was joined by fellow fantasy author Kamilah Cole for a conversation, followed by a book signing.
A Tale Passed Down
On May 18, Red Balloon Bookshop in St. Paul, Minn., welcomed Travis Zimmerman for the launch of the bilingual picture book How the Birds Got Their Songs (Minnesota Historical Society Press), illustrated by his cousin Sam Zimmerman, with the Ojibwe translation provided by Marcus Ammesmaki. Based on a tale passed down to Zimmerman through his family, the book highlights bird behavior and how humans can appreciate their songs. Zimmerman gave a reading and signed copies of the book.
Mass-ive Fun for All
During the inaugural Mass Kids Lit Festival, authors Corinne Demas and Artemis Roehrig appeared at the Young Men’s Library Association in Ware, Mass., on May 9 to give a storytime of their picture book collaboration Do Jellyfish Like Peanut Butter? (Persnickety Press).
It’s the Future I Can See
Lisa Greenwald made an appearance at the Kendra Scott store in New York City on May 7 for an event highlighting her latest middle grade novel, Fortune Tellers (HarperCollins). The story follows former best friends Millie, Nora, and Bea as paper fortune tellers, old relics of their friendship, start appearing, offering advice that could rekindle their connection. The event, held in partnership with Books of Wonder, consisted of decorating fortune tellers similar to the ones featured in the book. Here Greenwald (second from r.) meeting attendees.
