Peaks Island Book Celebration

My beloved library invited author Lyn Smith and me to present our latest book this past Saturday, What Makes an Opossum Tick?

How delightful to see my books lining the front window. Thank you, Peaks Island Library!

Lyn brought cookies from the 1690 House in Wells. Someone else got a photo before me!

These tasty cuties were a big hit.

Kids snacked on gummy worms, too, getting into the opossum spirit.

Lyn talked about her writing process, based on real events at her family’s nearby summer cottage in Moody Point.

As Literacy Specialist/Instructional Strategist for Kennebunk Elementary School, she brings engaging read-aloud skills.

I shared a slide show of my illustration process, which you can see here. My super hero partner, Marty, took all the photos including this one in which I need him to go to the NEXT SLIDE.

Signing together is a total treat. Thanks to all you wild book lovers!

We gave the kids on hand nature sketchbooks. This artist came down from Bath to learn more about book illustration, and shared a fantastic sketchbook of her own, chock full of characters with great feeling!

Keeping a sketchbook is the best tool for sharpening one’s drawing fluency and visual literacy. Sharp eyes, sharp pencils is my motto.

Lyn brought a stash of her husband’s nature collection. I sketched this little opossum skull for the 100 Day Project.

It’s a free art project that takes place online. People all over the world commit to exploring a creative theme of their choosing for 100 days. My former student and MECA alum, Molly Steinmetz inspired me to join in the sixth event, which takes place every spring. And she came to the book event! Bravo, Molly for keeping a creative commitment going.

If you were unable to make our event, you can find copies here. Or if you live on Peaks, I have a few left, give me a shout.

Many thanks to the Peaks Island Branch and the Portland Public Library for hosting us. It was a pleasure to meet fellow book peeps!