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Author Event – Four Children’s Authors

Event Type: Adults
Age Group(s): Adults
Date: 8/9/2017
Start Time: 7:00 PM
End Time: 8:30 PM
Description:
 Four local authors who have written children’s books will discuss them and talk about the unique process of creating children’s literature at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 9, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.

This event is free of charge and open to the public. There is no registration.

Kathy Schrenk, A Dog Steals Home

Zach Stewart’s life has never been more complicated. Between preparing for the arrival of his baby brother (“the little lizard”) and keeping up with the baseball team, Zach can hardly catch his breath. All he really wants is to adopt a puppy, but his parents insist that the timing isn’t right. In order to prove that he’s responsible, Zach decides to do his final research project on the animal shelter. Zach is sure that he’ll not only get the dog he wants but also prove to his team that he’s the best choice for pitcher. Everything is going perfectly—until Audrey, a girl in his class with a tragic past, disappears without a trace. Zach knows he is the only one who can find Audrey and convince her to come home. He might have to put his new puppy and his baseball career on the line—but he might hit a home run anyway.

New Orleans native Kathleen Schrenk has been pursuing her passion for volunteering since 2001. She received her bachelor’s degree in speech and language pathology from Louisiana State University and went on to work as a speech therapist and classroom teacher. Following Hurricane Katrina, Schrenk worked actively with volunteer groups to replant marsh grass in City Park and to restore sand dunes on the coast. A founding member of NOLA City Bark dog park, Schrenk also serves on the Louisiana SPCA board and is a member of the Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators.

Del-Rio Gardner, A Promise Fulfilled

Each day, Azyria prays for God to use her as a blessing. She feels that she is too young to make a big difference, but she knows God's grace reaches a lot farther than she can. Mrs. Jay recognizes God using the unlikely incidents to bless his people, so she prays for a small reminder that God loves her. When Azyria's kind deeds inspire others in the community to do the same, everyone is blessed, and Mrs. Jay realizes that a promise has been fulfilled.

Del-Rio Gardner is the owner of Divine Intervention Publishing located in Kenner. She says her goal is to write children’s books that will inspire children to love their community, to bring about change in the world. Gardner has a series of books coming out: Storytime with Jazzy the Giraffe and the Crew. The first book of the series is titled The Story of Creation and is told by Jazzy and her friends. This book also contains a bonus story titled Beauty and the Butterfly.

Julie Rowley, The Little Purple Mardi Gras Bead

When Carnival rolls around in New Orleans, everyone gets into the celebration—including the beads. On Fat Tuesday, a plain string of little purple beads hangs from a hook on a parade float. His fervent wish is to be caught by someone special. The bigger and fancier beads tell him that no one will ever catch him. When the bead spots a little princess in the crowd, he knows she is the person for him. Will she try to catch him? The tale offers opportunities for a discussion of bullying, self-worth, and inclusion with young readers.

Raised in New Orleans among the Mardi Gras madness, Julie Rowley specializes in early childhood education. She holds a master’s of education in early childhood curriculum and instruction from the University of New Orleans. Her stories were inspired by her daughter’s imagination—a trait that runs in the family as her father illustrated this tale.

Pamela Cali Bankston, Frizzy Frieda’s Gymtastrophe

Can Claire Marcheaux make a name for herself at Manchac Junior High? It’s a brand new school year and all she wants is to impress the popular crowd and Josh, South Claw Crab’s star basketball player. But the hurricane brewing new Louisiana is causing the weather to be steamy and sticky. So the only thing about her that is standing out is her hair. Determined to improve her image both inside and out, Claire begins taking risks, but each move brings more embarrassment.

Pamela Cali Bankston lives in South Louisiana where she writes and practices as a registered nurse. Certified in pediatrics, she has cared for children during the past 20 years. She is also the author of La Famiglia Sicilian American Cookbook.

For more information regarding this presentation, contact Chris Smith, Manager of Adult Programming for the library, at 504-889-8143 or wcsmith@jefferson.lib.la.us.

Library: East Bank Regional Library    Map
Location: Jefferson & Napoleon Rooms
Contact: Chris Smith
Contact Number: 504-889-8143
Presenter: Chris Smith