Author Interview: Max Gross
I’m always excited when an author agrees to participate in an interview for Off the Shelf, so when Max Gross, author of rave-reviewed The Lost Shtetl, agreed to sit for an interview and join the New Utrecht branch for a discussion of his debut novel, let’s just say I was exceedingly happy. Gross’s book is an attentively crafted thought experiment on what might happen if a Polish shtetl slipped away from the outside world, unwittingly escaped the Nazi’s warpath, then collided with modern society. The catalyst for this “lost'' shtetl's reconnection with the modern world? The suspected…
Celebrating Tomie dePaola
If you’ve ever read to a tiny kid, or been a tiny kid getting read to, chances are, you’ve encountered a book by Tomie dePaola. He was the author and illustrator of over 270 books, including childhood favorites like the tales of Strega Nona, and his most recent publications, Quiet, Wings, with Cheryl B. Klein, and I Will Talk to You, Little One with Phyllis E. Gann. His career spanned over 50 years of writing and illustration. Toie dePaola passed away on March 30, 2020. To honor and commemorate his memory, we wanted to share these resources:…
Author Spotlight: Carlos Hernandez
Carlos Hernandez is a writer, professor and game designer based in New York City. His debut middle grade novel, Sal & Gabi Break the Universe, which was released in 2019 by Disney under the Rick Riordan Presents imprint and received 4 starred reviews, follows Sal Vidón as he starts at a new school, deals with diabetes, bullies, making friends and manipulating the multiverse. A sequel, Sal & Gabi Fix the Universe is forthcoming. As a writer, what animal would you choose as your mascot? 1000% panda. When I was a kid, all 4 kids in my family got pandas. For the next 10 years we…
Author Spotlight: Ruth Chan
Recently, a group of lucky 2nd graders from PS 86, PS/IS 30, and Macademy visited Central Library for a presentation by children's book author and illustrator, Ruth Chan!
Award-Winning Illustrators Create New Youth Wing Mural
We’ve all had the experience of borrowing a book from our local library and being transported to another world in its pages. Seven children’s book illustrators have each contributed a panel to a joyous mural in Central Library’s Youth Wing, bringing that experience to life. Scroll through the slideshow above to see each panel. Check out the Illustrators: Selina Alko Sophie Blackall Yuyi Morales Christopher Myers Stephen Savage Javaka Steptoe Paul O. Zelinsky The artists first met in November 2018 to discuss themes, ideas and techniques.…