Mark Siegel
Published: May, 2004
Sun., May 16, 11:30 a.m.
Mark Siegel reads from Seadogs: An Epic Ocean Adventure. Inspired by the works of Gilbert and Sullivan, and classic comic books, this story is told in a series of witty song lyrics, performed by a canine cast of characters in a series of dramatic spreads. Siegel is a designer at Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, so he enjoys answering questions from young artists and aspiring illustrators.
Marsha Diane Arnold Sun.,
May 23, 11:30 a.m.
Marsha Diane Arnold reads from her delightful Prancing, Dancing Lily, for pre-school to 3rd grade students. The cows in Lily’s herd are always dignified as they walk from the barn, but Lily would much rather prance and dance. Lily leaves the farm and ventures out into the world—from NYC to Spain to Senegal—where she learns new dances and makes wonderful friends. But the dances aren’t quite right for a cow, and Lily starts to miss home. Will she ever find a place she will fit in? This book is meant for all those who have ever felt different from the herd. Arnold, a Sebastopol resident, is an award-winning children’s author. Her books include Heart of a Tiger, The Chicken Salad Club, and The Pumpkin Runner.
Lea Lyon Sun.,
June 6, 11:30 a.m.
Illustrator Lea Lyon reads from Say Something, for grades 3-6. At school, many children push, tease, and bully. The heroine sees it happening, but she would never do these things herself. Then something happens that shows her that being a silent bystander isn’t enough. Bright, fluid, realistic watercolors illustrate the story. Resources at the end of the book help parents and children talk about teasing and bullying, as well as finding ways to stop it.
Yuyi Morales Sun.,
June 13, 11:30 a.m.
Yuyi Morales presents Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book and Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez. Both books are spirited tributes to the rich traditions of Mexican culture. Just a Minute is the perfect introduction to counting in both English and Spanish. Harvesting Hope was selected by School Library Journal as one of the best children’s books of 2003. Morales is an artist, writer, puppet maker, Brazilian folk dancer, and the former host of a Spanish language storytelling radio show for children.
Jane Cutler Sun.,
June 27, 11:30 a.m.
Jane Cutler reads from The Birthday Doll, ages 4-8. Franny gets two dolls for her birthday. One is a fancy one that sings and wears lovely clothes that arrives from an aunt and uncle she doesn’t even remember. The other, a used, old rag doll in a paper bag comes from a little friend. Franny eventually discovers that there is little comfort in the stiff, robot-voiced Rose, while Suzie, the floppy rag doll, offers her the softness she needs. Young readers appreciate Franny’s revelation, and the way her family allows her to come to it all by herself.
