Beloved illustrator Wendell Minor returns to The Hickory Stick Bookshop to celebrate the release of his two new picture books for children, Wild Orca: The Oldest, Wisest Whale in the World (Henry Holt & Co., $17.99) which he illustrated and was written by Brenda Peterson, and Night Train, Night Train (Charlesbridge, $16.99), which he also illustrated and was written by Robert Burleigh. The signing will be held on Saturday, October 20th at 2pm.
A picture book homage to Granny, the world’s oldest known orca, who lived to be 105 years old! Perfect for animal lovers and future environmentalists.
Told from the perspective of young Mia and her family on a whale-watching excursion in the San Juan Islands, here is a moving homage to Granny, the world’s oldest known orca. This intimate and informative story celebrates the importance of respecting and protecting wildlife. It also sheds light on communication and family connections in both human and orca communities, all while answering essential questions about how these intelligent animals live.
“Evocative watercolor illustrations show the appealing whales swimming and communicating, with the text integrating the whales' signature sounds into the story. An informative and entertaining introduction to this intriguing endangered species."--Kirkus Reviews
"Minor’s glorious gouache paintings capture the joy of the day, setting the stage, introducing the characters—both human and dolphin—and showing these gymnasts in action. . . An engaging, possibly inspiring addition to any nature collection."--School Library Journal
"Minor's fullbleed paintings of the orcas and their admirers, especially the underwater scenes, are stunning. An intriguing, visually appealing introduction to a remarkable animal."—Booklist
Ride the rails of the night train in this beautifully rendered journey conducted by renowned artist Wendell Minor and frequent collaborator Robert Burleigh.
Rhyming, lyrical text describes the sights and sounds of a nighttime journey from country to city on a passenger train in the 1940s. Largely painted in black and white, breathtaking illustrations feature pops of color as the train continues its trip until the full-color spectrum appears as dawn breaks and passengers arrive at the station. A nostalgic and innovative choice for readers fascinated by trains.
—Kirkus Reviews
“The realistic illustrations highlight the award winning Minor’s ability as he depicts the black night morphing into gray and then dawn and bright sunlight. A footnote explains his desire to depict accurately the Dreyfuss Hudson locomotive, the last of a generation of steam engines of the 1930s and ’40s. The soft pencil drawings complement the poetic writing as the passing sights blur with the rapid train: “Can’t stop. Can’t stay. Night train, night train, wish-I-might train.” It’s a perfect story for all train-lovers and a nostalgic nod to those who love the magic of the rails.”
—Booklist
Wendell Minor is the award-winning and bestselling illustrator of numerous books. He is nationally known for the artwork he has created for over fifty award-winning children’s books, such as This is the Earth, Daylight Starlight Wildlife, Edward Hopper Paints His World, Willa: The Story of Willa Cather, an American Writer, and many others. His many collaborators include Jean Craighead George, Robert Burleigh, Buzz Aldrin, Tony Johnston, Mary Higgins Clark, and, last but not least, his wife, Florence. He is also the author and illustrator of My Farm Friends. He lives in Washington, Connecticut with his wife Florence and their two cats.
This event is free and open to the public. If you are unable to attend this event, you may reserve a signed copy of Wild Orca: The Oldest, Wisest Whale in the World and/or Night Train, Night Train by calling The Hickory Stick Bookshop at (860) 868 0525. For further information about this event please visit www.hickorystickbookshop.com or email books@hickorystickbookshop.com