Ten writers for children. All with something to say.

9/5/13

Bogs, Beans, Books, and Bovines

 Like Christy and Stephanie, I had a full summer packed with lots of book-related events.

 In June, while I was in Bemidji, Minnesota for their annual Book Festival, I visited Joe Rossi who was the photographer for my book Minnesota's Hidden Alphabet. He took me out for a "Bog Walk" on his property where I saw incredible plants, including these gorgeous lady slippers.

Super Librarian Kim Faurot and her husband Brad hosted their annual Butterfly Birthday Party, which included besides an incredible display of food, a children's book-themed treasure hunt, butterfly craft projects, and a marionette show.

 I read stories and drew pictures for kids in their PJs on trolleys in Minneapolis and Excelsior.

 Excelsior Bay Books ran a citywide "Find the Mean Green Beans" contest, similar to the "Where's Waldo" events run in other cities, but they used my book "How Martha Saved Her Parents from Green Beans" as their theme.

Red Balloon Bookshop hosted the publication party for "Arlo's ARTrageous Adventure!" the first picture book that I both wrote and illustrated. That's me with bookshop owner Holly Weinkauf. I owe Spud Christy Hale many thanks for inspiring me to come up with fun publication party ideas. 


My summer ended with two days spent at the Minnesota State Fair. One day was at Debra Frasier's "Alphabet Forest," a magical place celebrating books and literacy, where I helped kids make Wanted Posters for the food of their choice. The other day was spent with friend and illustrtor Mike Wohnoutka, where our soon-to-be-released picture book MOO! was featured as the Story Walk. Fair goers could read each page of the book posted on large signs, similar to the old Burma Shave road signs. That's Mike and me in the Moo Building (yes, that's the actual name of the building!) with an accommodating cow named "Buckle Up" (and yes, that's her actual name; when you see the book, you'll realize how apt that is!).

Whew! What a grand summer!

7 comments:

Edie Hemingway said...

What a jam-packed summer, David! Congratulations on all your events and new books this year. And I don't think I've told you how much I love HOW MARTHA SAVED HER PARENTS FROM GREEN BEANS! I've bought a copy to give my son for Christmas. Green beans are an inside joke in my family.

Christy said...

Minnesotans are creative and supportive of books and literacy. Your events and the others you describe sound like loads of fun. Congrats on your great books and book activities!

Stephanie said...

Congrats on all your new books! I'm still so bummed I didn't get to go to that launch party, maybe I'll be around for the next:) You are such a picture book rock star!

Lauren said...

You are a picture book rock star David! Congratulations on a wonderful summer! I too, am bummed I did not make it to the AAA launch party-- but I will be around for MOOOOO!!! Yay!

Diane Adams said...

Love your book launch photo. Actually, loved all the photos.

David LaRochelle said...

I'm glad to hear you enjoyed MARTHA so much, Edie! And I'll cross my fingers that Stephanie and Lauren will be around on October 19 for our MOO! book launch. If only Mike and I can find a way to get a real cow to the Red Balloon!

mark said...

I love reading about your adventures, David. I'd love even more to attend one of your readings/events. They always sound like so much fun!