Great March: Children's Literature Events This Month
Matthew Van Fleet’s uniquely designed board books invite toddlers to touch, press, pull, lift, and even sniff as they explore colors, shapes, numbers, letters, opposites, and more. His newest creation, Dance, is a laugh-out-loud, jazzy story of a little baby chick who learns how to dance from a friendly band of animals who know all the right moves! Young readers will delight in the charming art, jazzy text, and in pulling the five sturdy pull tabs to make the different animals bounce, shake and bop as they dance to the Hippopptamus Hula, Gator Mashed Patater, and more! Listen and dance to the song at VanFleetBooks.com, and get your dancing feet ready for a jazzy interactive story time with Matt including reading, drawing, and dancing!
Event date:
Saturday, March 4, 2017 - 1:30pm
Story time at Bank Street Book Store on Saturday, March 4 at 10:30 a.m. is enhanced by the participation of educator Debbie Finger, whose book "Looking for Color Rhymes" is a special addition. Debbie and the Color Rhyme Kids featured in her book represent different colors while trying to find and recognize words that rhyme with each color. Debbie teaches reading readiness through predictable rhymes in the text so kids and families can enjoy practicing rhyming sounds together.
This book about two New York kids getting caught up in a mysterious adventure has been a favorite of young readers for 50 years, and now it's time to celebrate a story kids have loved it ever since it was first published in 1967. Join other dedicated devotees, including author Blue Balliett ("Chasing Vermeer") to toast the timelessness of E. L. Konigsburg's classic "From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler" at Symphony Space on Sunday, March 5 at 1:00 p.m. This event is part of the Thalia Kids' Book Club. Ticket information is available at http://www.symphonyspace.org/event/9351/Family-Literature/thalia-book-club-emfrom-the-mixed-up-files-of-mrs-basil-e-frankweiler-em-50th-anniversary.
Author Rachel Vail's New Book for Middle-School Readers Is a Beaut
It's a chance to meet uber-popular middle-grade author Rachel Vail at Bank Street Book Store on Wednesday, March 8 at 4:00 p.m. Rachel presents her new book "Well, That Was Awkward," the story of other chance meetings, such as the one between main character Gracie and her major crush AJ. But life is complicated by the fact that AJ is interested in Gracie's best friend Sienna instead, and Gracie's parents, who tend to hover over Gracie's daily doings, are always hoping upon hope that Gracie has everything she needs to stay happy and whole after a family incident affects them all. This event is specially designed for middle-grade students so here's a shout-out to readers from ten to 12 years old to join us.
Fort Greene store:Puttin' Ink on Paper by Amos Paul Kennedy, Jr. - Letterpress printer
March 20, 2017 - June 3, 2017
Central Library, Grand Lobby
Puttin' Ink on Paper by Amos Paul Kennedy, Jr.Famous literary quotes printed as postcards about libraries, reading, books and literacy submitted by Brooklyn Public Library’s librarians, staff members and Kennedy. Also included are printed quotations by some of the artist’s heroes including Fannie Lou Hamer, Ella Baker, Paul Robeson, Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth and more.
Exhibition can be viewed in the Grand Lobby and the Dweck Center Lobby.
My work embodies my passion for stirring up strong emotions and encouraging people to think in previously unexplored ways. Letterpress posters are my preferred medium and through these strong graphics and bold typography, I aim to push issues of race, freedom and equality.
The exhibition on display is a new printing project installation which includes famous literary quotes printed as postcards about libraries, reading, books and literacy submitted by Brooklyn Public Library’s librarians, staff members and myself.
Also included are printed quotations by some of my heroes including Fannie Lou Hamer, Ella Baker, Paul Robeson, Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth and more.
Amos Paul Kennedy, Jr. quit his corporate job at the age of forty to become, as he calls himself, “a humble Negro printer." He received his MFA from the of Wisconsin, Madison, has taught workshops in over seventy countries and is currently spearheading the Detroit Printing Plant. He is featured in Laura Zinger’s documentary Proceed and Be Bold and hosts his Cash and Carry poster shows.
A rundown on today's comics industry and what you need to get a comic book made. Basic character design, themes, targeting audiences, genres, scripting, writing, drawing, inking and printing will be touched upon as teens create their own premise and story 'bible' en route to creating their very own comic! Best for ages 5 and older.
Celebrated Author Kat Yeh at Bank Street Book Store
Author Kat Yeh appears at Bank Street Book Store on Saturday, March 11 at 10:30 a.m. to present her picture book "The Friend Ship" during morning story time. Kat's new book features a boatload of animals, all seeking the friendly camaraderie of each other's company. Kat is the 2017 Writer-in-Residence as named by the Bank Street Center for Children's Literature. All friend seekers are welcome to join our morning of friendship through books.
David McPhail Shares His New Book "I Promise"
Meet David McPhail, whose books have accompanied countless young readers through childhood, at Bank Street Book Store on Saturday, March 18 at 10:30 a.m. David's latest book is "I Promise," and we promise it is one of his most endearing. Children's eyes and ears will open wide when they see and hear this story of reassurance and comfort. Few can resist David's animal characters, and his latest is Baby Bear, an adorable stand-in for kids seeking the safety and security of family love. David will sign copies of this nursery library treasure.
Story Time: Deborah Blumenthal
Fort Greene store:
Saturday, March 18, 11:30 AM
Story Time: Deborah Blumenthal presents Fancy Party Gowns: The Story of Fashion Designer Ann Cole Lowe
Author and journalist Deborah Blumenthal’s beautiful picture book Fancy Party Gowns shines the spotlight on a little-known visionary who persevered in times of hardship, always doing what she was passionate about: making elegant gowns for the women who loved to wear them. As soon as Ann Cole Lowe could walk, her momma and grandma taught her to sew. She worked near her momma in their Alabama family shop in the early 1900s, making glorious dresses for women who went to fancy parties. When Ann was 16, her momma died, and Ann continued sewing dresses. It wasn’t easy, especially when she went to design school and had to learn alone, segregated from the rest of the class. But the work she did set her spirit soaring, as evidenced in the clothes she made, including Jackie Kennedy’s wedding dress and Olivia de Havilland’s dress at the Oscars. Rarely credited, Ann Cole Lowe became “society’s best kept secret." Join Deborah for an interactive story time celebrating creativity and passion.
Toddler Storytime
Tues, Mar 28 | 10:30 AMJoin us as we share books, songs, and creative movement to engage little learners and build a foundation for literacy. Bounce, sing, listen to stories, and meet other toddlers in the neighborhood. Recommended for children ages 12 months to 4 years. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 am and 11:15 am. Please note: This is a popular program and space is limited. Attendance is granted on a first come, first-served basis.