This week, the Kokila imprint launches; readers demonstrate what to do with book galleys (spoiler alert: read them); Nicola Yoon has a glamorous night; YouTube hosts and authors cook the books; a debut author and illustrator celebrate their first collaboration and friendship; and Emmy Kastner welcomes 'nerdy' book babies.
A New Beginning
Penguin Young Readers hosted a celebration at Housing Works in Manhattan on May 13 for the launch of Kokila, an imprint devoted to publishing “stories from the margins.” Kokila’s debut list includes works from Veera Hiranandani, Pablo Cartaya, Matthew A. Cherry, Vashti Harrison, Zeke Peña, Randy Ribay, and Isabel Quintero. Namrata Tripathi, v-p and publisher of Kokila, spoke about the origins of the imprint, followed by addresses from several authors. Pictured is the Kokila editorial team: (from l) Sydnee Monday, editorial assistant; Joanna Cárdenas, editor; Tripathi; and Jasmin Rubero, associate art director.
Get Your Galleys Here!
A couple years ago, Kenny Brechner, owner of DDG Booksellers in Farmington, Maine, and a PW ShelfTalker blogger, had the idea to begin stockpiling f&gs and galleys to give away to readers in Little Free Library-style book houses. Brechner asked local high school students to create the book houses; once completed, the houses went to live at seven school libraries in the Farmington area. Students are invited to pick up, read, and even review the donated ARCs on an online hub Brechner created. Here, fifth grade students from Cascade Brook School Library show off their selections.
A Star-Studded Evening
Nicola Yoon (far r.) attended the Los Angeles premiere of The Sun Is Also a Star, adapted from her YA novel of the same name, published by Delacorte in 2016. Here, Yoon greets director Ry Russo-Young (l.) and stars Yara Shahidi and Charles Melton. The movie hits theaters on May 17.
A Sweet Book Launch
Victoria J. Coe, author of the Fenway and Hattie series, joined author Elly Swartz for a live episode of their YouTube series “Books in the Kitchen,” which combines baking and book talks. The event, a celebration of the newest book in Coe’s series, Fenway and Hattie in the Wild (Putnam), was held at Blue Bunny Bookstore in Dedham, Mass. The hosts also welcomed guest readers. (From l.): Coe, Swartz, Henry, son of author-illustrator Peter H. Reynolds (who hosted the event); Charlotte, who created the book’s trailer; and her sister, social media influencer Olivia Van Ledtje, who came up with the idea for the new book. The “junior chefs” cooked up some no-bake s’mores bars, which were inspired by the book’s camping theme.
Just Leafy
Author Ben Brashares and illustrator Elizabeth Bergeland held an event in celebration of their new picture book Being Edie Is Hard Today (Little, Brown) at Books of Wonder in New York City. Brashares and Bergeland first met several years ago on the playground of their children’s preschool, where they began talking about raising children and expressing emotions. Bergeland sent Brashares a drawing of a girl in animal furs named Edie, inviting him to “write a story about her,” and their picture book was born. Attendees dressed up with leaves on their heads—just like Edie.
Feeling ‘Nerdy’
Author Emmy Kastner celebrated the launch of her Nerdy Babies series on May 18 at her local bookstore, BookBug in Kalamazoo, Mich. Kastner gave a talk and a drawing demonstration, while fans kept busy working on coloring sheets themed after the first two books, Nerdy Babies: Ocean and Nerdy Babies: Space (Roaring Brook).
