This week, Brian Selznick goes live; Eric Carle welcomes ‘Bobbie’s Meadow’; John Parra makes faces at the Gaithersburg Book Fest; Vashti Harrison inspires readers; Jonathan Voss gives a hoot; and Priscilla Tey has a long commute.

Cover to Cover

Brian Selznick appeared on Good Morning America on June 26 to speak about the 20th anniversary editions of the Harry Potter books, which feature Selznick’s original cover art. The author-illustrator spoke to anchor Cecilia Vega about illustrating the covers for the seven titles which, when placed together, form a single image that reflects the story arc of the series.

In Fond Memory

Eric Carle, who just celebrated his 89th birthday, cut the ribbon for the opening of Bobbie’s Meadow, a space in the 100-year-old orchard on the grounds of the Eric Carle Museum in Amherst, Mass. The meadow is named in tribute to Carle’s late wife, Barbara (Bobbie). Here, Carle speaks during the dedication of the meadow. Joining Carle are (from l.): Christopher B. Milne, board chair executive at the Carle Museum; architect Ramsey Silberberg; and Alexandra Kennedy, the museum’s executive director.

Why So Serious?

The ninth annual Gaithersburg Book Festival took place May 19 on the grounds of City Hall in Olde Towne Gaithersburg, Md., bringing together approximately 14,000 attendees for a chance to connect with more than 30 children’s and YA authors. The Children’s Village, which was sponsored by Washington Parent and Activity Rocket/Thrively, served as the hub for a series of interactive presentations and activities. Here, John Parra, illustrator of Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos, written by Monica Brown (NorthSouth), makes faces and signs books for a fan.

Taking the Lead

Vashti Harrison, author of Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History (Little, Brown), came to the George Bruce Library in Harlem on June 26. The event was held in partnership with the Studio Museum in Harlem for the New York Public Library’s Summer Reading series. Harrison read from Little Leaders, gave a drawing presentation, and led readers in a craft activity about people that inspire them.

It’s a Draw!

Earlier this month, author Jonathan Voss toured for his debut picture book, Brave Enough for Two (Holt), making stops at bookstores in midwestern and southern states. For each event, fans were asked to bring their own favorite stuffed animals (or imaginary friends), like the book’s character Olive, who is best friends with Hoot, an owl. At Blue Manatee Children’s Bookstore in Cincinnati, Voss read his book to attendees, before providing a live drawing presentation, asking readers (and their guest animals) to take part.

From Singapore to the Bronx

Debut author-illustrator Priscilla Tey recently arrived from Singapore to visit the United States and present her picture book, In-Between Things (Candlewick). Her tour stops included Boogie Down Books in the Bronx, where she met and read to young New Yorkers.