This week, Lemony Snicket holds a flame for Dave Eggers’s new picture book; artist David Diaz celebrates artists and art-making in Texas; Michael Mahin provides a musical tribute to the subject of his picture book; and artist and cancer survivor Jessica Reid Sliwerski shares a message of strength and hope.
Long Live Lady Liberty
Daniel Handler (aka Lemony Snicket) recently made good on the early endorsement he gave for Her Right Foot, by Dave Eggers, illustrated by Shawn Harris. Snicket praised the book, which is about the Statue of Liberty, and its message by saying, “I want to hold this book in one hand and a torch in the other and stand on an island someplace so everyone can see.”
Twenty Years and Counting
Caldecott Award-winning artist David Diaz recently spoke at the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature in Abilene, Tex., for the opening of the “Twenty Years of Art” exhibition, which features a piece of art from each of the NCCIL’s 60 exhibitors, including Diaz. In addition to speaking to the community at the NCCIL, Diaz visited the Ortiz Elementary School in Abilene, where he spoke to 125 second grade students and provided an interactive drawing lesson.
Honoring the ‘King of the Blues’
Author Michael Mahin celebrated the release of his picture book Muddy (Atheneum), illustrated by Evan Turk, on September 23 at Barnes & Noble Encinitas Ranch Town Center in Encinitas, Calif. The book is about the life and music of blues artist Muddy Waters, and in keeping with the musical theme, the event featured a musical performance by an 11-year-old student of the Bach to Rock Encinitas Music School. Mahin, himself a musician, also gave a musical story performance.
A Cause for Celebration
Author Jessica Reid Sliwerski (pictured) and illustrator Mika Song visited Books of Wonder’s new location on the Upper West Side in New York City on September 19 to celebrate the release of their picture book, Cancer Hates Kisses (Dial). At the event, Reid Sliwerski spoke in conversation with Song about her inspiration for the book—her own experience battling breast cancer shortly following the birth of her daughter.
