Recently kids joined their guardians for a day in publishing, celebrated collaborators came together, an author presented their latest fantasy, an author marked the end of her series with a tour, a city honored an author with a local holiday, and an author discussed a highly anticipated addition to his series.
A Big Kid Job
On April 24, Lerner Publishing Group enjoyed Bring Your Kids to Work Day by welcoming young participants to experience a day of the publishing process. The children were invited to a writing workshop where they crafted their own books, a sales meeting where they practiced pitching, and a book cover design session. Here, the children show off their book covers.
Anything for NYC
Newbery Medalist Rebecca Stead (r.) and Caldecott Honor winner Gracey Zhang (l.) celebrated the launch of their new collaboration and Stead’s debut picture book Anything (Chronicle) with an event at Books of Wonder in New York City on April 24. The picture book centers on a father-daughter duo, with the child making requests for anything she wants after moving into a new home.
A Sight to See
The Upper West Side location of Barnes & Noble in New York City welcomed F.T. Lukens (r.) on April 30 for the release of their new YA fantasy Love at Second Sight (McElderry). The book follows Cam, a mortal at a supernatural school, who discovers he has visions when his first one predicts someone’s death. Lukens was joined in conversation by fellow YA author Ryan La Sala, and the pair discussed writing about found families and why they’re drawn to writing supernatural books. The event closed with a q&a and book signing.
Saying Goodbye
Lyla Lee bid her Mindy Kim chapter book series farewell with a two-week "Goodbye Mindy" tour. The series traces the mishaps of the titular protagonist as she navigates friendships and family life in middle school. Lee appeared at Barnes & Noble Irvine Spectrum in California on May 4 to discuss the series finale, Mindy Kim and the Fun Family Vacation (Aladdin) with fellow author Julie Abe. (From l.): Abe, YA author Axie Oh, and Lee after the event.
An Author’s Big Day
At the inaugural Little Shop of Stories Children’s Book Festival last weekend, hosted by the children’s bookstore of the same name, Patti Garrett (l.), the mayor of Decatur, Ga., proclaimed May 4, 2025 as Carmen Agra Deedy (r.) Day. Deedy gave a reading of her recent picture book, The Peanut Man, illustrated by Raúl Colón (Peachtree/Quinlin).
I’m a Survivor
Adam Silvera (r.) debuted the latest installment in his DeathCast series, The Survivor Wants to Die at the End (Quill Tree), at Barnes & Noble Union Square on May 6. Silvera spoke about how the series evolved and writing about queerness and grief. Silvera answered questions from the audience and signed copies of his books.
