First in Line
William Wegman visited the pediatric oncology clinic at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center in Washington, D.C., on January 29, where he met with children at the hospital and read from his latest book featuring photographs of Weimaraner dogs, Flo & Wendell Explore (Dial). Maya Nader, pictured here, was the first in line to have her book signed. An exhibit, called “William Wegman: Out of the Box,” will be on display at the center starting March 15; the exhibit features 27 of Wegman’s dog portraits. During the visit, the author-artist was also joined by his former assistant, Emily Helck, herself a cancer survivor. Wegman’s visit was sponsored by the Georgetown Lombardi Arts and Humanities program, Tracy's Kids, and the Hope for Henry Reads programs.
Most Wanted
A launch event for the fifth book in Lisa McMann’s Unwanted series, Island of Shipwrecks (S&S/Aladdin), took place at Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, Ariz., on February 3. Readers who purchased a copy of the new book received a prize back, which included a puzzle, a signed postcard with custom art from the book, an Unwanteds bookmark, and a black panther figurine. Here, McMann (center) is joined by booksellers Faith Hochhalter (l.) and Brandi Stewart (r.).
Enchanted Sisters
Authors Elise Allen and Halle Stanford and illustrator Paige Pooler visited Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena on January 24 for their book series, Jim Henson’s Enchanted Sisters (Bloomsbury) featuring the characters, the Sparkles: Spring, Winter, Summer, and Autumn. The authors read from Winter’s Flurry Adventure and Spring’s Sparkle Sleepover and fans in attendance, like these girls, were invited to “bring your Sparkle” as well as a favorite stuffed animal or doll.
Over the Moon
Rachel Searles was in good company at Pages Bookstore in Manhattan Beach, Calif., on January 27 for the launch of The Stolen Moon (Feiwel and Friends), the second book in her sci-fi middle grade series. At the event, Searles welcomed members of her writing group; they connected through SCBWI and began meeting regularly in 2012 to polish up their manuscripts; now they all have published books or book deals. From left: Dana Elmendorf, Elizabeth Briggs, Rachel Searles, Kathryn Rose, and Jessica Love.
Multigenerational Fans
The Secret Garden bookstore in Seattle hosted author Matt de la Peña for a January 29 event for his picture book, Last Stop on Market Street, illustrated by Christian Robinson. At the event, Peña was greeted with a sign featuring artwork from the book (shown hanging behind Peña), which the daughter of the Secret Garden’s owners helped create. At the event, Peña met a mother (whose maiden name happens to be de la Peña) and daughter, both fans of his books.