I had so much fun at a special story time featuring An Assortment of Animals: A Children’s Poetry Anthology at The Blue Bunny Bookstore in Dedham, MA. Nine of we poet and illustrator contributors shared our creations and inspirations with an enthusiastic audience.
I’d never been to the store before, which is charming and friendly and has a coffee shop inside! For sure, I’ll be back.

When we arrived, we found this beautiful display of the books, next to books by store co-owner and prolific author, Peter Reynolds.

All the presenters: Alice Fulgione, Brian Lies, Robin Brett Wechsler, Pam Vaughan, Deb O’Brien, Bonnie Gold, moi, Bob Thibeault, and Doreen Buchinski

Doreen Buchinski and me, with the poem I wrote and she beautifully illustrated, “The Superb Blue-Crowned Mot-Mot.” Doreen designed the anthology and is also the illustrator and designer of the new edition of Me and the Weirdos.

Here Doreen shows stages in her illustration process. Note my elephant garb, which I wore for the animal-themed event. I also wore elephant earrings and brought an elephant purse and tote bag. Why not?

An exciting surprise was the participation of Anthology cover designer and contributor Brian Lies, renowned for his Bats at the Beach series and The Rough Patch, recently announced as a Caldecott Honor Book!
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