I spent a wonderful morning at my favorite independent children's bookstore, The Blue Manatee Children's Bookstore in Cincinnati listening to Loren Long talk about his new book, Nightsong by Ari Berk.
It is a story about Chiro, whose mother sends him off into the night alone for the first time. He goes on quite the journey. Using his good sense (the song you sing out into the world, and the song the world sings back to you), he flies into the cold air, through the tall trees, over rivers, ponds, and the ocean, past cliffs and vast lands, until, finally, he's home again. This book would be perfect to use for sensory details, metaphor, and theme. Great graduation gift!
The presentation began with a wonderful talk on bats. She even brought a couple for us to admire!
Reading Nightsong
Drawing Chiro!
Talking about illustrating Barack Obama's book Of Thee I Sing
Every year I buy my daughters a picture book and a pair of pajamas to open on Christmas Eve. Even though they're now 19 and 16, we continue the tradition. The Drummer Boy is perfect - especially signed by the illustrator himself!
Picture book purchases today. I can't help myself.
Loren Long explaining the illustrator's process.
Loren Long reading a portion of Nightsong.
Loren was amazing with everyone - talking to each adult and child standing in line for a signing, posing for pictures, etc. He brought along his two sons, wife, and mother, too. He left us with some pearls of wisdom about reading, illustrating and doing what you love. Thanks Loren! Looking forward to his new Otis Christmas story next year! Next year's Christmas Eve picture book gift, maybe?
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