Children's Authors to Visit the Library

PORTSMOUTH, NH - Writers, illustrators, and enthusiasts of children’s literature are invited to a series of free events at Portsmouth Public Library, hosted with Kid Lit Universe.

This spring, the library will feature two speakers: Ammi-Joan Paquette, literary agent and author of the Princess Juniper series, and Paul Durham, author of The Luck Uglies series. The events will begin with an Author-to-Author seminar, where authors will answer questions and talk with their fellow local writers, followed by a book signing in the library’s lobby. Books will be available for purchase.

On Wednesday April 13, 2016, at 10 a.m., authors are invited to meet with Ammi-Joan Paquette. She will then sell and sign books at 11:30 a.m. in the lobby. Paquette’s book Princess Juniper of the Anju is newly out this year. Her other books for young readers include Ghost in the House, Nowhere Girl, and The Tiptoe Guide to Tracking Fairies. She is the recipient of a PEN New England Discovery Award honor. Paquette is a senior literary agent with Erin Murphy Literary Agency. Visit her on the web at ajpaquette.com.

On Wednesday May 11, at 6:30 p.m., the library presents Paul Durham. He will sell and sign books at 8:00 PM in the lobby. Durham’s debut middle grade fantasy trilogy, The Luck Uglies has been published in the United States and abroad. The Luck Uglies was named a 2015 ALA Notable Children's Book, the winner of the 2014 Cybils Award for Speculative Fiction, a New York Public Library Best Book for Reading and Sharing, and a Great Stone Face Nominee here in New Hampshire. Visit him on the web at pauldurhambooks.com.

Kid Lit Universe is a community created by local authors Joyce Shor Johnson and Amy Ray that creates opportunities for both published and pre-published authors and illustrators to come together to discuss the craft of writing for children, to learn how to promote and market their work, and to hear from experts in the industry. Visit them online at kidlituniverse.com.

The Portsmouth Public Library works to serve the informational, educational and entertainment needs of the community. The library offers free materials, computers, WiFi, classes, exhibits, online resources, events and more. PPL was established in 1881. Find out more online at cityofportsmouth.com/library. Find events and news at facebook.com/pplnh.

Submitted by Laura Horwood-Benton, Public Programming & Community Relations Librarian, Portsmouth Public Library