Tag: Manchester Public Library

this Week! Special Guests Jean Woodbury and Bonnie L. Sylvester Join The Paper Mermaid, Essex, Sawyer Free, and Manchester Public Libraries For #PictureBooks Holiday Storytimes

Posted on by Catherine

Award-winning author Jean Woodbury and illustrator Bonnie L. Sylvester join The Paper Mermaid and the libraries on Cape Ann for holiday fun featuring the children’s picture book, The Tree in Dock Square.

The free family events will include story time, book and holiday crafts, autographed copies with Jean, and in Gloucester custom art with Bonnie, too.

Cape Ann READingS: The Tree on Dock Square on the go.

Schedule:

Dec. 1 The Paper Mermaid at 4:00PM | 57 Main Street, Rockport

Special story time event: Jean Woodbury

Dec. 2 TOHP Essex Burnham Library at 4:00PM

Special story time event: Jean Woodbury

Dec. 3 Gloucester Lyceum & Sawyer Free Public Library at 2:00PM

Special story time event: Jean Woodbury and Bonnie L. Sylvester

Dec. 10 Manchester Public Library at 2:00PM

Special story time event: Jean Woodbury

Visit The Tree in Dock Square website www.thetreeindocksquare.com

Check out the new release: The Tree in Dock Square Book Trailer by Megan Mathieson!

Halloween in Manchester hosting a house decoration contest

Posted on by Catherine

Poster with Manchester festivities 2020 includes signing up for a house decoration contest to be judged on Halloween.

What Halloween yard, street or neighborhood decorations have caught your eye this year?

Halloween decorations, Halloween in Manchester, house competition, Covid Halloween 2020

Gloucester activities 2020 downtown tomorrow 10/29/2020

beloved weekly story times for little ones resume despite closure| with Christy at Sawyer Free Library and Tuesdays with Carol at Manchester Library #CapeAnn

Posted on by Catherine

Gloucester Lyceum and Sawyer Free Public Library weekly Story Time with Christy resumes despites Covid-19 closure. Christy Russo is the Director of Children’s services at the library. She effortlessly brings a Mister Rogers kind flair and expertise to programs. See the first week’s video below focused on friendship. The production quality is well done, and the emoji adds feel sweet and festive.  This episode format includes a greeting and “visit” with garden friends, stories*, and activities.

*We Are Brothers We are Friends by Alexandra Penfold and Little Elliot Big City by Mike Curato (Macmillan publishing, both)

Storytime With Christy

 

Also of note: Now in its 18th year, the annual Poetry without Paper competition, co-founded by Russo with poet John Ronan, is open to children in grades K-12.

More Virtual Story Times –

Manchester Public Library is offering story times as well via social media (including Facebook LIVE). Look for upcoming events here

Weekly Tuesdays at 6:30pm PJ Story Times with Carol Bender, another stellar children’s librarian on Cape Ann, began April 14th, 2020. “Remember to wear your PJ’s and bring your special animal friends for a Facebook live story time!” Upcoming April 21, 28 and May 5

Manchester Public Library story times during corona

Enjoying children’s picture books with Manchester librarian Carol Bender and artist Leslie Galacar

Posted on by Catherine

Scenes from Manchester last week © Beth Welin, Director of Manchester Historical Museum

Librarian, Carol Bender, Head of Youth Services, Manchester Public Library, reading Where in the World is Catherine Abigail by Michael LaPenna and illustrated by Leslie Galacar. The children from Magic Years were visiting Once Upon a Contest at Manchester Historical Museum.

photo courtesy Beth Welin_Once Upon a Contest Cape Ann Reads Carol Bender with Leslie Galacar at Manchester Historical Museum (2)

They met special guest artist Leslie Galacar.

photo courtesy Beth Welin_Once Upon a Contest Cape Ann Reads Carol Bender with Leslie Galacar at Manchester Historical Museum

Last chance to catch Once Upon a Contest in Manchester-by-the-Sea and temporary public art by Leslie Galacar

Posted on by Catherine

Tomorrow is the last day to catch the travel exhibition Once Upon a contest in Manchester. Explore fantastic new children’s books by local authors and artists at the lovely Manchester Historical Museum. Friday will also be the last chance to catch Leslie Galacar’s temporary work consisting of a series of intricate illustrations that progress from the entry to the main gallery. Can you find this one on site?

The exhibition changes with each installation as each locale and architecture is unique and special-  as are the programs and public art component. The reading and art exhibit is coming to Essex next, opening on May 4th at TOHP Burnham Library.

Leslie Galacar.jpg

 

 

Skipping to storytime! Big little crowd for Once Upon A Contest event featuring artist Juni VanDyke at the museum Manchester-by-the-Sea

Posted on by Catherine

Today’s program Seaside Saturdays: Cape Ann Reads Book Fun was enjoyed by all ages and featured the Once Upon a Contest group exhibition, stories and special guest artist, Juni VanDyke, who illustrated the If I Were series by James McKenna. Seaside Saturdays is a joint offering by Early Childhood Partners/CFCE, Manchester Public Library & Manchester Historical Museum. Once Upon a Contest Selections from Cape Ann Reads by the four libraries of Cape Ann is on display at Manchester Historical Museum through April 26th. In addition to the new and original books by local artists and writers, don’t miss Leslie Galacar’s four part public art sequence made just for this venue.

Skipping to story time!_Once Upon a Contest Manchester Historical Museum_20190413_© c ryan
perfect timing- skipping to Story Time? (I wondered if they were going to the museum. They were!)

 

Bustle of arriving, exploring (nifty new museum display!), visting, settling, and seat selecting

 

Once Upon A Contest program featuring Juni VanDyke at Manchester Historical Museum_20190413_©catherine ryan (4)
Celebrating collaboration and picture books- photo L to R: Beth Welin, Director Manchester Historical Museum, Carol Bender Librarian (and former Cape Ann Reads jury member) Manchester Public Library, and Melanie Wood with Early Childhood Partners

 

AERIAL Once Upon A Contest program featuring Juni VanDyke at Manchester Historical Museum_20190413_©catherine ryan (20)Busy, busy- Children chose drawings VanDyke created especially for this event and set to work collaging. 

 

detail from public art in four pieces for Once Upon a Contest by Leslie Galacar for the Manchester leg of travel show
detail from site-specific public art in four parts by Leslie Galacar for Once Upon a Contest, Manchester Public Library at Manchester Historical Museum

 

TREMENDOUS TURNOUT FOR CATHERINE RYAN’S CAPE ANN MUSEUM OUTSTANDING “ONCE UPON A CONTEST” OPENING EXHIBIT CELEBRATION!

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

The opening celebration for the beautiful new exhibit at the Cape Ann Museum, “Once Upon a Contest: Selections from Cape Ann Reads,” was fabulously well-received and well-attended. Artists, writers, Mayor Sefatia, Cape Ann Museum director Rhonda Falloon and staff, Cape Ann librarians, friends, families, and well-wishers were all there to join the celebration.

Congratulations to special exhibition curator Catherine Ryan, the Cape Ann Museum, and Cape Ann Reads Initiative for an outstanding show!

The exhibit highlights local writers and artists of children’s picture books from the Cape Ann Reads initiative. Cape Ann Reads, hosted by the area’s four public libraries (Sawyer Free, Rockport, Manchester, and Essex), was created to encourage literacy in young people through community and creative collaborations.

“ONCE UPON A CONTEST” RUNS FROM DECEMBER 20TH THROUGH FEBRUARY 24TH

Author/illustrators included in the exhibition:
Leslie Galacar, Martha Shaw Geraghty, Marion Hall, Steven Kennedy, Charles King, George King, Michael LaPenna, James McKenna, Barbara McLaughlin, Alexia Parker, Victoria Petway, Jim Plunkett, Diane Polley, Mary Rhinelander, James Seavey, Gail Seavey, Kim Smith, Christina Ean Spangler, Bonnie L. Sylvester, Juni VanDyke, Maura Wadlinger, Betty Allenbrook Wiberg, Kirsten Allenbrook Wiberg, Jean Woodbury and Claire Wyzenbeek

Exhibit Curated and directed by Catherine Ryan, with support from the Bruce J. Anderson Foundation.

Deborah Kelsey, director of Gloucester’s Sawyer Free Library

Cindy Grove, director of the Rockport Public Library

Sara Collins, director of Manchester’s Public Library

Deborah French, director of Essex’s TOHP Burnham Public Library

THE CAPE ANN MUSEUM IS FREE TO CAPE ANN RESIDENTS DURING THE ENTIRE MONTH OF JANUARY!

 

CATHERINE RYAN’S BEAUTIFULLY CURATED EXHIBIT AT THE CAPE ANN MUSEUM – ONCE UPON A CONTEST

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Our Catherine Ryan has curated and designed a wonderfully fun and beautiful exhibit, “Once Upon a Contest: Selections from Cape Ann Reads,” currently on view at the Cape Ann Museum.  The exhibit highlights local writers and artists of children’s picture books from the Cape Ann Reads initiative. Cape Ann Reads, hosted by the area’s four public libraries (Sawyer Free, Rockport, Manchester, and Essex), was created to encourage literacy in young people through community and creative collaborations.

The exhibit is thoughtfully designed for little folks. The paintings are hung at just the right height for pint-sized readers and soon-to-be readers. Mock-ups of the books are placed on shelves within easy reach and petite chairs for little ones make for a cozy storytime feeling.

I took Charlotte to the Museum on Friday and she had a fantastic experience. We’re planning to return again this Friday!

Come join us at the opening celebration from 3:00pm to 5:00pm, this Saturday, January 5th, at the Cape Ann Museum, 2nd floor.

“Once Upon A Contest” runs from December 20th through February 24th.

Thank you to Charlotte and her Mom and Dad for the photos! The watercolor illustration Charlotte is sitting in front of is from my book, “Beauty on the Wing: Life Story of the Monarch Butterfly,” which was the original inspiration for the documentary film of the same name. The illustration shows a pair of Monarchs ascending into a maple tree, as they are mating. 

The Cape Ann Museum is free to Cape Ann residents during the entire month of January!

Author/illustrators included in the exhibition:
Leslie Galacar, Martha Shaw Geraghty, Marion Hall, Steven Kennedy, Charles King, George King, Michael LaPenna, James McKenna, Barbara McLaughlin, Alexia Parker, Victoria Petway, Jim Plunkett, Diane Polley, Mary Rhinelander, James Seavey, Gail Seavey, Kim Smith, Christina Ean Spangler, Bonnie L. Sylvester, Juni VanDyke, Maura Wadlinger, Betty Allenbrook Wiberg, Kirsten Allenbrook Wiberg, Jean Woodbury and Claire Wyzenbeek

Exhibit Curated and Directed by Catherine Ryan, with support from the Bruce J. Anderson Foundation.

Deborah Kelsey, director of Gloucester’s Sawyer Free Library

Cindy Grove, director of the Rockport Public Library

Sara Collins, director of Manchester’s Public Library

Deborah French, director of Essex’s TOHP Burnham Public Library

Cape Ann Reads 2018 inaugural celebration of children’s picture books by local artists and writers

Posted on by Catherine

The Cape Ann Reads inaugural reception celebrating original children’s picture books by local artists and writers was held at City Hall in Gloucester, Massachusetts, January 27, 2018. Linda Bosselman of Sawyer Free Library was the official photographer for the packed event and she captured all its positive energy and people. An upcoming group exhibition featuring these participants will travel to the four Cape Ann communities. As you can see from the celebration pictures, the touring exhibition and its related receptions and readings will be worth a visit! Cape Ann Reads is an initiative by the four public libraries of Cape Ann.

packed event Cape Ann Reads childrens picture book reception Jan 27 2018 City Hall Gloucester MA.jpg

The Cape Ann Reads reception and awards ceremony opened  in style – thanks to the red-ribbon cutting courtesy of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce and Ken Riehl.

Cape Ann Reads childrens picture book reception-local authors & artists Jan 27 2018 City Hall Gloucester MA ©Linda Bosselman (33)

Cape Ann Reads 2018 ribbon cutting courtesy CAPE ANN CHAMBER 20180127_133442-ANIMATION

Portraits of the artists and writers

City Hall is a gorgeous venue for an art fair. Linda photographed all the local artists and writers at their individual picture book display booths. Effort was high. Kind friends manned booths for participants who were unable to attend: Ashley was there for Steven Kennedy and Victoria Petway, and Sinikka Nogelo represented Gail and James Seavey.

Cape Ann Reads childrens picture book reception-local authors & artists Jan 27 2018 City Hall Gloucester MA ©Linda Bosselman (20)
Cape Ann Reads Medal Book- The Tree in Dock Square, written by Jean Woodbury (L) illustrations by Bonnie Sylvester (R)

Welcome

Awards ceremony program began with a warm welcome of support for the arts from Mayor Romeo Theken and opening remarks by the Library Directors and special dignitaries

Jurors

Deliberations were held at Cape Ann Museum and Beauport Hotel.

Cape Ann Reads convened a nine member selection panel that included representatives from each of the public libraries: Justine Vitale Gloucester Lyceum & Sawyer Free Public Library; Carol Bender, former Children’s and Teen Librarian,  Rockport Public Library (now at Manchester); Kate Strong Stadt, former Head of Youth Services, Manchester-By-The-Sea Public Library; Ann Cowman, Young Adult Librarian, Manchester-By-The-Sea Public Library; and April Wanner, Assistant Librarian at the TOHP Burnham Library, Essex.  Joining these talented library staff members were three artists and award winning children’s book author-illustrators: Pat Lowery Collins; Giles Laroche; and Anna Vojtech. Bob Ritchie proprietor of Dogtown Book Shop provided another crucial area of book world expertise. Cape Ann Reads is grateful for their time and considerable talents to help the participants and the process.

Each library and the Cape Ann Museum designated one child representative for the second jury — a thoughtful panel of children: Eli Porter, Alycia Hogan Lopez, John Recroft, Lucas Rodi, and Josie West. They put in tremendous effort to read every entry, prepare notes, and come together for discussion. They were tasked with close reading and instructions to let us know any books that were favorites or that they wanted to compliment. Several came to assist the event as junior staff.

 

Awards presentation – Cape Ann Reads Gulliver, Honor and Medal books

Continue reading “Cape Ann Reads 2018 inaugural celebration of children’s picture books by local artists and writers” →

Cape Ann Reads celebrates picture books Jan 27 City Hall #GloucesterMA

Posted on by Catherine

Cape Ann Reads invitation for aritsts and writers

Gloucester Daily Times update on Cape Ann Reads

Posted on by Catherine

Look for special group exhibits and readings to be announced later in 2018- “Cape Ann Reads to Hit the Road” by Gail McCarthy, Gloucester Daily Times

This month: come to Gloucester’s City Hall on January 27 for a Cape Ann Reads celebration. Explore early drafts & drawings as well as published children’s picture art and books–all by Cape Ann artists and writers. The Book Store of Gloucester will have a satellite book shop devoted to published picture books right on site.

Gail McCarthy Gloucester Daily Times announcing Bruce J Anderson grant award for Cape Ann Reads January 8 2017

Cape Ann Reads Children’s Picture Book Celebration reception and fair

Posted on by Catherine

Calling all children’s picture book fans! The four Cape Ann library directors and Mayor Romeo Theken hope you’ll join us for a very special Cape Ann Reads reception at Gloucester’s City Hall on Saturday January 27, 2018, to honor the scores of writers and artists that participated in the Cape Ann Reads contest. The party and pop-up portfolio/book fair will be open to the public from 12pm-4pm. There will be a brief awards ceremony at 1:30. Along with the medal and honor books, the jurors selected several more for special recognition. Breaking news: a group show of these will travel to all four communities in 2018 with support from the Bruce J Anderson Foundation, a Gold Sponsor.

Cape Ann Massachusetts can now boast the country’s FIRST ever picture book contest and programming hosted by four public libraries and wonderful community partners. The contest fostered the local children’s picture book network, and business in the region. Five books were self-published (or in the works) since the contest closed, reviewed and sold in local stores. An original Cape Ann Reads trophy by local artist, Jason Burroughs, has been commissioned and will be unveiled at the celebration.

SAVE THE DATE Cape Ann Reads celebration reception Jan 27 2018 (3)

Please contact capeannreads2016@gmail.com if you’d like to sponsor a prize or award–or any cafes or restaurants that want to showcase a small tray of light fare or coffee/tea–as there’s time to be included in the printed matter.

Don’t miss a chance to publish: still 1 week to register for Cape Ann Reads picture book contest! Plus a shout out to artist volunteers!

Posted on by Catherine

20161102_175142

Entry forms are rolling in! 

Applicants have until December 15th to upload a book submission,

but they need to register by November 15th or they won’t be eligible for the contest.

Shout out to local artists John Bassett, Bonnie Sylvester and Alexia Parker. Last week we reached out to local media including the Gloucester Daily Times, Cape Ann Beacon, Cape Ann Chamber newsletter, This Week on Rocky Neck and Good Morning Gloucester to help us broadcast the contest and/or seeking volunteer artists. Artists (and writers!) generously stepped forward with intriguing and generous offers! Scroll down to read more about three of the artist volunteers that responded to this recent public appeal. At this time we have more volunteers than requests. Amazing and inspiring!

Glass sculptor, artist John Bassett www.basglas.com, was the first to reach out with a generous and flexible offer. His website links to pages of glorious works.

bassett

His offer was quickly followed by Bonnie Sylvester’s thoughtful reasoning: “As an artist and early childhood educator, I would love to add my name to the mix of local volunteer artists that writers may consider. I think it will be a lot of fun to work this way.”  Sylvester works in a wide range of material including mixed media, acrylic, and watercolor. “I believe exceptional picture books are a marriage of story and picture. It’s so important to see the creativity in the author’s vision.”  She has a master’s degree in early education and is a docent at Cape Ann Museum.

Alexia Parker wanted to volunteer after she was urged by a couple of her friends and fans: “I had couple of friends and coworkers who saw it in the Gloucester Daily Times and contacted me. I grew up in Essex…I also work…in Essex. As far as my art goes, I have just recently been exploring avenues to get my name out there a little. Illustrating childrens’ books has been a dream of mine since I was a child, so I thought this could be a fun way to try it out.” She included this stunning collage as an example.

untitledcollagebyalexia

Stay tuned for more exciting news:

The Jury panel will be announced this week!

There will be a second jury panel made up of children. If you know a Cape Ann K-5th grader who likes to read or be read to, and would be excited to be part of the kids jury panel, let your library know! Names will be pulled out of a hat. For more information contact Capeannreads2016@gmail.com.

Cape Ann Reads children’s picture book contest is open to Cape Ann residents of ALL ages, students attending school on Cape Ann and people who work on Cape Ann. One winning book will be published by Cape Ann Reads in 2017, a first-edition printing prize valued up to $10,000. Additional honors will be announced.

Sponsor opportunities:

The 4 Cape Ann libraries and many regional partners have coordinated a calendar of wonderful events throughout 2016. Additional sponsors and support are sought and welcome! After the registration deadline, the contest organizers will announce additional specific prize categories.

 

 

Volunteer Artists and Illustrators Sought

Posted on by Catherine

There are a few local writers who would welcome help from local artists to complete their book submission into Cape Ann Creates for Cape Ann Reads Children’s Picture Book Contest! Please email capeannreads2016@gmail.com

For more information about registration and the guidelines, see this dynamite flyer designed by Valerie Marino at Sawyer Free Library. Thanks to Cape Ann Chamber At-A-Glance weekly newsletter and Rocky Neck’s This Week on Rocky Neck- Art Opportunities for helping to get the word out!car-deadlines-register-now

cape-ann-reads-at-a-glance-newsletterscreenshot_102216_074306_am

Cape Ann Reads 2016 Children’s Picture Book Contest is now open! Grand prize valued up to $10,000

Posted on by Catherine

One new book. Four communities. Everyone reads!

LIVE.jpg

Find out more about this public call for entry: your book could be the one published by the 4 Cape Ann Libraries  SUBMIT YOUR BOOK

Rockport Public Library: 2 bookbinding illustration journal workshops with Jeannie Hunt on Saturday

Posted on by Catherine

Rockport Public Library Cape Ann Reads programming:

post-size

10AM Saturday October 1 Adult workshop

1:30PM Saturday October 1 Teen Workshop

Space is limited. Please call Rockport Library 978-546-6934 to register

screenshot_092916_075057_am

August Cape Ann Reads: Picture book on Rockport’s Illumination Night dazzles

Posted on by Catherine

20160813_202745

This captivating story walk installation within the gentle park outside the Rockport Public Library was enchanting on Rockport’s Illumination night.  Along with countdowns to kindergarten and story time, celebrate children’s picture books this month with Cape Ann Reads events!

Gloucester: August 17th (WED) 1:00-2:00 PM CAPE ANN READS writers workshop for all ages led by Amanda Cook of the Gloucester Writers Center (free)

Essex:  August 18th (THURS) 1:00PM. Does your boat float? (free)

Essex: Teen Activity August 22nd (MON) 6:00PM (free)

Gloucester: August 27 2:30pm (SAT) Mark your live event calendar! Just 12 more days until  legendary children’s book creator Ed Emberley will be at Cape Ann Community Cinema & Stage! Caldecott winner! Published more than 100 books! North Shore artist! 

20160813_202149

20160813_202303

20160813_202340

20160813_202641

Where’s Gulliver? Manchester Public Library scratch ticket, Benedict Cumberbatch, Cape Ann libraries August Cape Ann Reads events

Posted on by Catherine

Cape Ann Reads offers the chance for the 4 libraries to collaborate and work together on community, literacy, and art. They’ve partnered with beloved organizations to celebrate the art and writing of children’s picture books.

20160727_091435

The four Directors and Kate La Chance from Cape Ann Museum confer, early gorgeous morning on the grounds of the Manchester Public Library. Seated left to right in the nice new outdoor furniture:  Kate LaChance, Cape Ann Museum; Debbie French, Essex TOHP Burnham; Deborah Kelsey, Sawyer Free; Cindy Grove, Rockport; Sara Collins, Manchester by the Sea Public Library.

Every month features Cape Ann Reads events! Here arethe next 5 CAPE ANN READS EVENTS FOR AUGUST

ENDING SOON- August 4th, Where’s Gulliver at Manchester Public Library

Manchester Public Library visitors have until August 4th to play Where’s Gulliver for a scratch card. 

20160727_091107

20160727_101254
Manchester gets creative with their t-shirt sales at pop up library events. I am told Benedict has made it to the beach! t-shirts are $15 for adults / $10 for kids, designed through Cape Ann Art Haven art center. They are for sale at the libraries, Cape Ann Art Haven and Cape Ann Museum. Proceeds will go towards the original picture book contest.

Rockport: August 11th (THU), 6pm. Children’s Book Publishing. 

Damaris Curran Herlihy, a local resident and owner of a publishing firm will speak at theRockport Public Library. She will discuss how to prepare for publication and what to expect from the process. No registration required. FREE.

Essex:  August 18th (THURS) 1:00PM. Does your boat float?

Assorted materials will be available to create your own distinctive vessel. Test it out in our pool. Ages  four and up. Please sign up to calculate for materials @ mes.mvlc.org or 978-768-7410. TOHP Burnham Library, 245 Western Ave, Essex. FREE.

20160727_094603
Director Debbie French

Essex: Teen Activity August 22nd (MON) 6:00PM

Experiment with modge podge using nautical charts. Cover books, boxes, frames or whatever to create your nautical decoration!  Please sign up to calculate for materials @ mes.mvlc.org or 978-768-7410.TOHP Burnham Library, 245 Western Ave, Essex. FREE.

Gloucester: August 27 (SAT) Ed Emberley will be at Cape Ann Community Cinema & Stage!

Come to Cape Ann Community & Stage for an afternoon with acclaimed author illustrator Ed Emberley and his wife Barbara. Emberley has published close to 100 books. He collaborated with his wife on earlier works including the 1968 Caldecott winning Drummer Hoff, and more recent books with his daughter, Rebecca, such as Chicken Little and Red Hen. Please RSVP Cape Ann Community Cinema & Stage, 21 Main Street Gloucester, MA. ticket event $15 adults; $10 kids under

Visit Cape Ann Reads for all upcoming programs 2016-17.

First viral cat video wasn’t a video. More Cape Ann Reads Saturday June 4 in Manchester

Posted on by Catherine

20160416_131332

Back in April, guests lucky enough to attend the Cape Ann Reads program at the Rockport Public Library enjoyed a lecture given by Anita Silvey. She spoke about the development of the American picture book from her years of experience in children’s picture book publishing, editing and most recently as an author. If you went to the afternoon lecture, you would have heard about the staggering success of the Newbury honor awarded Millions of Cats, written and illustrated by Wanda Gag in 1928. (The first Caldecott wasn’t awarded until 1938.) I sold lithographs and wood engravings by Wanda Gag and worked with a few of her artist friends; she died young, aged 53. Gag’s artistic career was going well prior to this book. She was one of the most praised printmakers of the 1920s and 30s and had a solo exhibition at Weyhe Gallery in 1926. (A lot of her prints have cats in them, too.)

Gag’s brother created the wrap around hand-lettering for Millions of Cats, including the memorably repeated refrain: “Cats here, cats there, Cats and kittens everywhere, Hundreds of cats, Thousands of cats, Millions and billions and trillions of cats.” The art and double page spreads revolutionized picture books.  It had immediate and record sales. Silvey related that this book has the distinction of being the longest American picture book continuously in print, and that it was helped along by an editor. (Gag had abandoned a prior version in 1923.)

 

20160416_141904
Anita Silvey with Cindy Grove, Director, Rockport Public Library, Cape Ann Reads lecture series. (Rockport Goes To War, WPA era mural by Sam Hershey)

What’s coming next for Cape Ann Reads?

Don’t miss this Saturday’s June 4 2016  round-trip double Story Walk for the whole family from 10am-2pm at the Manchester public Library and Manchester Historical Museum. Picture book lovers of all ages are invited to walk and read, and act the route together! The featured books are: Stella, the Star of the Sea by Mary Louise Gay and Storm Whale by Benji Davies.

Cape Ann Reads events are listed on the awesome Good Morning Gloucester arts calendar. For all the latest information and details, check the Cape Ann Reads website.  Additional programs will be added to the calendar. Cape Ann Reads is a collaboration among the Gloucester Lyceum & Sawyer Free Public Library, Manchester Public Library, Rockport Public Library and TOHP Burnham Library in Essex and regional partners. Check them out!

Cape Ann Reads updates including: Want some help with your writing for your picture book entry?

Posted on by Catherine

Seagull_Logo 975kb

1)If you asked us: “I have a story to submit for the picture book contest, and would like to participate in a writing group, is there one?”  You were not alone. We are pleased to announce:

Free writers workshops all ages at Sawyer Free Library

3rd Wednesday each month May – October, 1-2pm

Led by Amanda Cook of the Gloucester Writers Center

Register here. For more information: contact Deborah Kelsey, Director, Gloucester Lyceum and Sawyer Free Public Library kelsey@sawyerfreelibrary.org. The libraries will be hosting informational help sessions as needed and requested leading right up to the contest submission deadline which will fall in November 2016.

2)Mark your calendars for Cape Ann Reads programs

Thursday, May 12, DAISY NELL, 6pm, TOHP Burnham Library, 245 Western Avenue, Essex Local author, singer, songwriter discusses the creation of her three picture books

stowaway-mouse-cover

Saturday, May 21, MOTIF#1 DAY, Building Poetry with Picture books, 9AM-5PM. Visit the Rockport Public Library to design, photograph and display poetry created by stacking together picture books.

Saturday June 4, Round -trip double Story Walk,  10am-2pm, Manchester public Library and Manchester Historical Museum. This self-guided story walk of two great picture books will be available starting at 10 and will be accessible throughout the day. Picture book lovers of all ages are invited to walk and read and act the route together. Featured books: Stella, the Star of the Sea by Mary Louise Gay and Storm Whale by Benji Davies.

For the complete list of events for the year and all the latest information check the website capeannreads.wix/picturebooks. Additional programs may be added to the calendar.

Cape Ann Reads is a collaboration among the Gloucester Lyceum & Sawyer Free Public Library, Manchester Public Library, Rockport Public Library and TOHP Burnham Library in Essex.