Popular Children’s Author Coming to Wissahickon Library

The Ambler branch of the Wissahickon Valley Public Library is getting ready for a visit from a beloved children’s author and illustrator.

“Our library is filled with Peter’s books,” Michelle Miller, Wissahickon Valley Library Children’s librarian, said. “I’ve been a fan of him for years.”

The library is preparing for the March 7 author visit, featuring Peter Catalanotto, starting at 7 p.m.

According to Catalanotto’s website, he has been working since 1987, and has illustrated over 44 books for children, 14 of which he also wrote. He explains that adding illustrations, or in his case, paintings, to children’s stories, can enhance the child’s reading experience, as well as create new ideas to the story.

Since 1990, Catalanotto has also travelled to over 1,400 elementary schools across the country, providing insight to future authors and illustrators on the creative process.

Miller said that Catalanotto’s visit to the Ambler branch of the library is a very special and unique occasion. She said that the last time Catalanotto was able to visit the library was approximately 10 years ago.

“The great thing about Peter is that he wanted to be an artist as a kid,” Miller said.

She said she hopes that his visit will help younger library patrons understand that it is possible to pursue and achieve their dreams.

Miller, who is renowned as Miss Michelle of the library’s children’s Story-Guitar Time, said that she is happy that the children will meet an author of whom they are already familiar.

“It’s just exciting for the kids to see a really great, stimulating author,” Miller said.

For more information, visit the Wissahickon Valley Public Valley website.