Recently, a Broadway star made his picture book debut, an author presented a new picture book adaptation, collaborators kicked off a book tour, an author-illustrator held a springtime storytime, an author-illustrator duo launched their new book, and a YA author celebrated his debut.
Finding the Light
On March 18, Emmy, Tony, and Grammy Award–winning performer Billy Porter (l.) made an appearance at the Upper West Side location of Barnes & Noble in Manhattan to present his debut picture book Songbird in the Light (Abrams). Written with Chris Clarkson and illustrated by Charly Palmer, the picture book follows a young boy learning to embrace his voice after being teased by his peers. Porter was in conversation with his longtime friend and fellow Broadway alum Jerry Mitchell. Porter stayed behind to take photos with attendees.
One of a Kind
Katherine Applegate’s first stop on her tour for The Littlest Elephant (Storytide) was Old Town Books in Alexandria, Va., on March 17. In the picture book adaptation of her middle grade novel The One and Only Ruby, elephant Ruby prepares for an event with her loved ones to celebrate her incoming tusks. Applegate (r.) was joined by Melissa LaSalle, events manager at Old Town Books for a conversation.
‘Don’t Trust’ This Book Tour
Author Neil Sharpson (l.) and Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat recently headed off on tour to present their new picture book collaboration Don’t Trust Fish (Dial). In it, the creators cheekily encourage readers to question the intentions of fish. On March 2, the duo stopped in Austin for a school visit at Cypress Elementary School. Here, the pair sign copies for students.
Waking Up in Spring
Caldecott Honor arist David Ezra Stein welcomed spring with a storytime event at Books Are Magic in Brooklyn, N.Y., on March 14. Stein read from his new picture book Grouchy Bear Wake Up (Clarion), which follows a group of animal friends attempting to wake up Bear from hibernation. Stein’s reading included guitar strumming, and he finished the performance with an original song.
Life Is a Bowl of Cherries
Little Saigon Creative art gallery in Seattle welcomed author Livia Blackburne (l.) and illustrator Julia Kuo on March 15 to celebrate the release of their picture book Bing's Cherries (Knopf). The story follows a girl and her father as they trace the history of the Bing cherry, which was cultivated by Chinese immigrant Ah Bing. The collaborators held a story time, drawing activity, and a book signing.
Answering Some ‘Major Questions’
Earlier this month, Books of Wonder in New York City hosted Ahmad Saber (l.) for an event in honor of his debut novel, Ramin Abbas Has Major Questions (S&S/Dlouhy). The YA book follows the titular Ramin, who after a life of following his parent’s wishes and his religious tenets, struggles when he finds himself crushing on a boy. Saber was joined by author Zakiya N. Jamal for a discussion about offering queer representation for young people. The evening ended with an audience q&a and book signing.
