True Tales to Amaze

These dazzling picture books are sure to delight readers of all ages with the stories behind real-life events and icons! Join us to hear from SELINA ALKO, author-illustrator of Otherwise Known as Judy the Great: A Poetic Ode to Judy Blume, NINA CREWS author-illustrator of Liftoff! How the Apollo Mission Made Alma Thomas’s Art Soar, GISELLE POTTER, illustrator of Mary Morland in the Time of Dinosaur Discovery, and VERONICA MANG, author-illustrator of Copland: A Story About America! Stop in for a spectacular afternoon!

Otherwise Known as Judy the Great: A Poetic Ode to Judy Blume by Selina Alko

Judy Blume is known for fearlessly discussing topics that were once considered taboo. As a young girl, Judy was not encouraged to share her feelings, so instead she invented stories as a way to understand the world around her. Growing up Jewish, during and in the aftermath of WWII, dramatically shaped Judy’s childhood. Her younger years were full of fear. Judy processed her conflicted emotions by making up stories where she could control the conflict as she worked through challenging life scenarios. These stories became the subjects of the books she later published for children, tweens, teens, and adults including Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret, Freckle Juice, and the Fudge series. This inspiring collection of poems celebrates the childhood years of Judy Blume, one of the most beloved American writers of all time.

Liftoff! How the Apollo Mission Made Alma Thomas’s Art Soar by Nina Crews

In 1969, people around the world watched as the Apollo 10 astronauts sent the first-ever live color television broadcasts from space. Abstract painter Alma Thomas was among those watching, and afterward, she began a series of bright, bold pieces inspired by the Moon missions and the marvels of space exploration.

In a dual narrative that weaves together key moments from the Apollo 10 mission with Alma’s process creating Snoopy Sees a Sunrise, celebrated author and illustrator Nina Crews presents a fascinating STEAM-themed perspective on an incredible scientific endeavor—and an incredible artist.

Mary Morland in the Time of Dinosaur Discovery illustrated by GISELLE POTTER

From the time she was a little girl, Mary Morland soaked up all the knowledge she could about animals, rocks, and fossils, and captured her discoveries in her journals. She continued studying fossils into adulthood, becoming a prominent fossil hunter whose finds impressed leading scientists of the day.

Eventually, Mary bonded with William Buckland, England’s best fossilist, over their love of paleontology, and the two got married. Together, they introduced the world to Megalosaurus, the first dinosaur that lived on land. At the time, William received credit for their accomplishments while Mary worked from the shadows. This book shines a spotlight on Mary, celebrating her irrepressible spirit, her unconventional life, and her endless enthusiastic pursuit of prehistoric knowledge.

Copland: A Story About America by Veronica Mang

Aaron Copland was born in Brooklyn in 1900 at the dawn of a new generation. In a community of immigrants, he had a front-row seat to the many ways that the United States was growing and changing. During this electrifying time, Aaron began making music as dynamic and innovative as the people and progress around him. While some didn't understand his style or appreciate his desire to break the rules in his compositions, he endeavored to create a sound that reflected the America he knew and loved.

Saturday, February 21st at 2pm at Our 17th St Store!