Recently, an author attended an international summit, a picture book and graphic novel creator made her middle grade prose debut, an author’s event centered on community, collaborators discussed an adaptation, an author-illustrator duo held a storytime, and pups were the star of a launch event.
Wimpy Kid Goes to Germany
Jeff Kinney recently made a trip to Bavaria, Germany from May 11–14 for a gathering titled “Awesome Friendly Get Together,” bringing together publishers from across the globe to discuss his Wimpy Kid series. Attendees were invited to participate in a slate of activities ranging from yodeling classes and Bavarian-themed games, to a ride to the summit of Germany’s highest mountain.
Return to Sender
On May 10, author and artist Vera Brosgol debuted her first middle grade novel Return to Sender (Roaring Brook) with a launch event in Portland, Ore., at her local bookstore, Green Bean Books. Brosgol gave a reading and led attendees in a drawing activity, followed by a book signing. In Return to Sender, a tween uncovers a magical mail slot that grants wishes, but he soon learns that his wishes have a negative impact on others.
Come Play
On May 11, Berlin-based author-illustrator Marc Majewski celebrated the launch of his new picture book, Parks (Abrams), at Sullaluna bookshop and bistro in the West Village in Manhattan. In a conversation with PW senior editor Emma Kantor, Majewski (l.) discussed how the project emerged from his previous book, Bridges, and the value of parks around the world as spaces for community, play, and connection with nature.
History in the Making
In honor of the release of the young readers’ edition of Oppenheimer on May 13, the book’s adapter Eric S. Singer (l.) and American Prometheus co-author Kai Bird (r.) celebrated with a bookstore event at Wonderland Books in Bethesda, Md. Singer and Bird held a discussion on the book’s impact and the collaborative process.
Lucky Number Seven
On May 10, author Sandra Nickel (c.) and illustrator Aimée Sicuro (l.) made an appearance at Lofty Pigeon Books in Brooklyn, N.Y. to celebrate the release of Seven: A Most Remarkable Pigeon (Candlewick), a fitting venue for a pigeon-themed picture book. The story follows the titular fowl Seven, who is unlike their fellow pigeon peers and learns to accept the things that make them unique. The collaborators led a storytime for young readers.
A Tale as Old as Time
On May 10, Oblong Books in Rhinebeck, N.Y., welcomed husband-wife duo David Soman and Jacky Davis (the Ladybug Girl series) for an event presenting their new picture book, Elvis & Romeo (Aladdin), the tale of polar-opposite dogs Elvis, who enjoys quiet, and Romeo, who wants to socialize, and their first encounter at the dog park. The shop welcomed readers and pups alike for a storytime and book signing.
