Archive for jimmy

Banned Books Event, Saratoga Public Library: Tonight (10/5/23)

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I’ll be participating in tonight’s banned books-themed event at the Saratoga Public Library, running from 6:00 – 8:00. 

It’s a 45-minute drive from my house that I’ve made many times, since my daughter rowed for Saratoga Rowing Club. I’d pick her up from HS, drive her to practice, then go off to the library to work for a couple of hours. Then I’d pick her up and we’d drive home together. Often she’d be so tired, Maggie would pass out in the front seat. I usually did this about 3-4 times a week for a couple of years. 

The things parents do. 

Anyway, I was invited to participate and I hate to say no. It’s a good cause, something I care about. So, yeah, the drive up there, the event, the return home: probably four hours in total. I get seven minutes to say a few words and read an excerpt from To Kill a Mockingbird. But of course, it’s not about me. 

Come if you’re not too busy.

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“This Fine October” — Virginia Wolf

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Comings & Goings: Three Book Festival in 8 Days

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I’ll be driving around, working on weekends, and showing up at various upcoming book festivals. If you can make it, yes, please, by all means stop by my table and say hello.

I’ll be signing books and eager to talk about school visits. Or if you wish, just write to me at: [email protected] and we can begin the conversation that way. 

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1) SEPTEMBER 30th, 2023

CHAPPAQUA CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL

 

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This one is bananas. Something like 180 authors & illustrators, possibly the biggest children’s book festival in the States? Who is going to be there? Everybody. 

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2) OCTOBER 1st, 2023

MAPLEWOOD SOUTH ORANGE BOOK FESTIVAL

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This is a new one for me, which is exciting and slightly anxiety provoking. I’m hoping for smaller, quieter, cozier. I’m hoping to see area teachers and librarians and maybe we can begin talking about school visits. 

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3) OCTOBER 7th, 2023

WARWICK CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL

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Ah, sweet Warwick. A lovely town and a nice day in the park. If you’ve never visited Warwick, NY, here’s a good excuse. Please say hello. Here are some of the titles that *might* be there . . . 

 

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THANK YOU!

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James Preller Reads from BLOOD MOUNTAIN: When Carter Climbs a Tree

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If You Write It, They Might Come!

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Life offers us these little gifts, small moments. I was invited by librarian Thea Schoep to the Claverack Free Library for a cozy Saturday program centered around my Choose-Your-Own-Adventure book, Fairy House. And almost magically, the most delightful young people appeared: wide eyed, engaged, eager. Which is funny, because that’s the very idea of the book. If you build it, they might come. Or perhaps in this case, If you write it. Thea and the staff at Claverack gathered together materials and, after a brief talk about writing and books — about making things — we built our own fairy houses together.

There’s something wonderful about great gobs of glue in the hands of a 4-year-old. It does the heart good. I’m grateful for the support, for the invitation, for the work, for the people, young and old. Thank you, Thea!