Spread the word!
Our January calendar of book-related events (thanks, Corinne!) is chock-full of incredible happenings. Below are just a few more that shouldn’t go unnoticed. If these events are any indication—and I think they are—2009 is off to a great start!
—Author and illustrator Grace Lin‘s new charity project will have her auctioning an original painting per month this year, to benefit The Foundation of Children’s Books‘ program of bringing authors into low-income schools. Now you have a chance to bid on—and hopefully win—one or more of her “Small Graces” paintings while helping a very worthy cause. Doesn’t it sound like a great way to live up to your new year’s resolution of making a difference?
—On Jan 22, those in or around New York City will have a chance to listen to the wind. Yes, that’s right. The Young People’s Chorus of New York will be performing the world premiere of composer Victoria Bond’s piece written for the book Listen to the Wind, by Susan L. Roth’s and Greg Mortenson. The piece is to be performed at the Lincoln Center Barnes and Noble, at 7:30pm, at the official launch of the book. Listen to the Wind is featured on PaperTigers, along with an interview and e-gallery of Susan’s work. Prepare to be delighted!
—And last but not least… What started as a 140-character Twitter message by author Mitali Perkins (“Idea: Indies partner with authors for a ‘give a signed book’ day; all Kid/YA authors in area show up at stores to sign one afternoon”) is shaping up to be quite a literary love fest. Literally. Mitali joined forces with a group of book lovers to turn her idea into “Kids (Heart) Authors Day“, a multi-bookstore event to take place on Valentine’s Day all throughout New England. If you’re near one of them, don’t miss the chance to pick up a signed literary valentine—and to let them know why you love writers, illustrators and independent bookstores.
Did I say spread the word?…
January 15th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
I’m glad I’ll be able to see Grace’s paintings on line… I wish I could attend the two events too – they sound wonderful.
January 15th, 2009 at 5:42 pm
I wonder if Greg Mortenson’s daughter will perfom with the NYC chorus! She sings at his (infrequent) appearances, has a lovely voice, an unaffected stage presence and sells a CD of her song to raise funds for schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan. She was ten years old when I saw her in Seattle.
January 15th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
I’ve posted Grace’s blog entry about her paintings onto my FB site!
January 22nd, 2009 at 11:00 am
Bidding has now ended for the January painting. I loved the Chinese proverb on it – A smile will gain you ten more years of Life. How true! I look forward to seeing what her February painting is.