In Brief: October 14

Viorst and Smith in NYC

This past Saturday, collaborators Judith Viorst and Lane Smith visited Books of Wonder in New York City to discuss and sign copies of their new book, Lulu and the Brontosaurus (S&S/Atheneum, Sept.). The chapter book follows a stubborn girl who finally meets her match in a brontosaurus that she tries to force to become her pet. Smith also read from his new picture book, It’s a Book (Roaring Brook, Sept.), during the event.

The fifth annual Wordstock Festival took place this past weekend in Portland, Ore., with more than 200 adult and children’s authors participating in discussions over the course of the weekend. Among the children’s authors in attendance were Patrick Ness, David Wiesner, David Shannon, Tad Hills, Brie Spangler, Renee Watson, and Kaleb Nation, among others. Seen here (l. to r.) are Becca Fitzpatrick (Crescendo), Lisa Schroeder (Chasing Brooklyn), Wordstock coordinator Sara Gundell, and L.K. Madigan (The Mermaid’s Mirror).

On October 8, author Kate DiCamillo appeared at the Somerville Theatre in Somerville, Mass., to celebrate the 10th anniversary of her first novel, Because of Winn-Dixie, a Newbery Honor book that has sold more than seven million copies worldwide. The event featured a screening of the 2005 film based on the book, followed by a Q&A session with DiCamillo, who also signed books. Proceeds from the event (more than $2,000) benefited Reading Education Assistance Dogs, which aims to improve children’s reading and communication skills by having them read to dogs.

The Brush Gallery in Lowell, Mass., recently unveiled an exhibition devoted to the work of five children’s book illustrators: Christopher Bing, David Macaulay, Kelly Murphy, Matt Tavares, and David Wiesner. The illustrators themselves appeared at the gallery on October 2 to discuss their work and children’s books with visitors. Seen here (l. to r.) are Murphy, Macaulay, Tavares, and Bing (Wiesner was unable to attend). The show is up through October 24.