Everyone at Star Bright Books would like to extend our warmest thanks to anyone who attended the launch party for Harriet Can Carry It at the Old Town Newhall Library on November 1! To hear that almost 100 people were in attendance at the event is incredibly exciting and inspiring, and we greatly appreciate the support.
The event included a talk by the author about his journey as an author, the author's performance of his very own super-fun Harriet song, a silly auction, as well as the celebration of Harriet Can Carry It and all of its wonderful merit. For those who were unable to attend, no need to feel down; here are some awesome pictures of the event to lift you up!
Thank you Kirk Jay Mueller for putting together this awesome event and thank you everyone, once again, for your attendance and ongoing support of our book.
Online book reviewer Jen Robinson has written a wonderful review of Harriet Can Carry It on her website, jkrbooks.typepad.com. Newly available in both hardcover and paperback formats, Star Bright Books is very excited about the warm reception that Harriet is already garnering from readers.
With careful attention to detail, Ms. Robinson highlights elements of the plot, the descriptive writing and vocabulary, the illustrations, and the book’s animal glossary as some of the book's best aspects. Also commenting on the experience of reading Harriet, Ms. Robinson writes: “Harriet Can Carry It is an entertaining picture book that introduces kids to marsupials in a light, yet memorable manner. It would make a fun read-aloud for schools or libraries."
Here at Star Bright, we are very delighted to see words such "memorable" and "fun" appear in reviews of this title. In addition to the lessons that we hope Harriet will convey to its young readers (one of which Ms. Robinson comments on in her description of "the idea that it is ok to say no when people are making unreasonable requests"), it is one of our deepest wishes that this book, and others, will inspire readers to pursue reading as an activity that brings enjoyment, fun, and happy memories. As a children's book publisher, this is one of our fundamental goals, and we thank Ms. Robinson, as well as anyone who shares their thoughts with us, for continuing to inspire our devotion to this goal.
The full review can be found at Jen Robinson's Bookpage, at http://jkrbooks.typepad.com/blog/2014/10/harriet-can-carry-it-kirk-jay-mueller-sarah-vonthron-laver.html
In celebration of our BRAND NEW Star Bright title, Harriet Can Carry It, Star Bright Books welcomes anyone in the area to attend a launch party held by author Kirk Jay Mueller at the Old Town Newhall Library in Santa Clarita, California. The event, which will also include a signing by the author, will take place in the library's Community Room on Saturday November 1, 2014, from 2-4 PM. Full event details are available at the Events & Visits tab of the author's website, kirkjaymueller.com.
Here at Star Bright Books, we are incredibly excited for the impending publication of this book. Through every read-through and discussion of this story, our delight in experiencing the journey of Harriet, her little Joey, and the quirky characters that she meets has never weakened, owing in large part to the fantastic and imaginative storytelling of Kirk Jay Mueller. While this is Mr. Mueller's first children's book, he has told many stories throughout his life and career; as a teacher of 4th-6th grade students for thirty years, he made sure to set aside time every day to introduce his students to engaging stories, the writing process, as well as a song or two (Mueller is also a singer-songwriter). He now especially enjoys going into schools and classrooms, guitar in hand, to share his songs and stories with children.
For more information on the author, his work, and his future events and visits, please visit his website. For more information on Harriet Can Carry It, our other new and exciting fall titles, as well as the rest of our catalog, please visit our website, starbrightbooks.org.
I started this post hoping to be able to report on any kind of literary celebration that was to take place/has already taken place at some point throughout the month of July. Having missed both Read Across America Day (though respects should be paid to the late, great Dr. Seuss every day of every month of every year), as well as National Poetry Month (April, for those who are so inclined), I was disappointed to find that there wasn’t any nationally ordained celebration of books during the month of July. Sadly, the only celebrations that I could find for July were ones of national independence (fun fact: Canada Day is July 1st, and Bastille Day (France) is the 14th), food (Blueberries and Ice Cream, the foods of summer) and good manners (National Cell Phone Courtesy Month: take note, dinner-table occupants). To some of these I say, frankly but fondly, bah humbug.
In opposition, I propose that we use this month to appreciate all of the books that make us feel warm and welcome, like nice weather or a day at the beach. I propose that we use some of our down-time to experience the books, whether newly purchased or plucked from a dusty shelf, that stick out in our minds and make us feel inspired, moved, or fulfilled. For the parents of young children, these are the days that count; fill them with memories and love and beautiful words and stories. Pick up a book and hunker down with your little one, whether inside or outside, under the sun or by a fire, and help them as they embark on adventures that, while imaginary, are everlastingly valuable.
Here are some summer stories, courtesy of Star Bright, that would make a great start!
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Harriet Can Carry It
by Kirk Jay Mueller
Art by Sarah Vonthron-Laver
Follow Harriet the Kangaroo as she goes on an adventure to the beach with her little Joey. Looking for some time off after a long week at work, Harriet packs her little boy in her humongous pouch and sets off looking for some rest and relaxation. But appearances by her many marsupial neighbors make Harriet's journey both difficult and troubling, as Harriet tries to accommodate all of their requests to carry their things until finally....
Beach Socks by Michael J. Daley Art by Estelle Corke
No more shoes! No more socks! shouts the young boy in Beach Socks, a book by Michael J. Daley and Estelle Corke that mixes beautiful illustrations and charming descriptions in a delightful story of one child's day at the beach.
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