One of the special things about CLiF is that we work with 66 of the best children’s, middle grade, and young adult authors in Vermont and New Hampshire. In normal years, we send them to schools, libraries, homeless shelters, prisons, camps, and more spaces where kids and families spend time in NH and VT. They share how they create their books and stories and get kids excited about reading and writing. Then, kids get to choose their very own new books.
This year, we’ve been offering free author visits online. Watch them all here. We’ve also hosted a virtual Book Club for Grown-ups, featuring discussions with VT and NH authors who write for adults and children. You can find those videos here.
Despite the pandemic, our amazing presenters – poets, illustrators, authors, graphic novelists, musicians, and storytellers – have been busy! Check out what they’ve been up to…
Author Ann Braden is doing a five-week read-aloud of her second middle grade novel, Flight of the Puffin. Learn more/sign up here. Watch the book trailer. Braden is also the author of the popular middle grade novel, The Benefits of Being an Octopus.
Storyteller Simon Brooks and graphic novelist/musician Marek Bennett have released a CD of folk and fairy tales called “A Flight of Stories.”
Author/illustrator Jason Chin illustrated the new picture book, Watercress, by Andrea Wang, about growing up as a Chinese immigrant in America. Last year, he illustrated Water Is Water by Miranda Paul about the water cycle. Jason’s gorgeous illustrations depict science and nature.
John & Jennifer Churchman published the latest book about their Vermont farm, The Happy Garden – Best Friends with (as always) beautiful illustrated photographs. Great for kids interested in animals and nature.
Poet Matt Forrest Esenwine co-authored the beautiful book Once Upon Another Time with Charles Ghigna, illustrated by Andres F. Landazabal.
David Martin’s new picture book, Peep and Ducky Sleepover, illustrated by David Walker, is the fourth and final in the Peep and Ducky series.
New York Times Bestselling Author Sy Montgomery has a new book for adults, The Hummingbird’s Gift. Sy is a naturist who writes about animals for kids and adults.
Kirkus Reviews called Lindsey Stoddard’s new middle grade novel, Bea is for Blended “charming and heartfelt.”
Poet Verandah Porche is working with Art in the Neighborhood, offering poems and prompts for kids living in public housing. Below, watch reading her work and offering writing prompts in our Book Club for Grown-ups series.
Author Linda Urban released her newest middle grade novel, Almost There and Almost Not. Linda teaches at Vermont College of Fine Arts and writes picture books and chapter books for young readers.
These writers, illustrators, and storytellers aren’t slowing down! More books to come later this summer. We’re so grateful to work with such a talented bunch to inspire a love of reading and writing in kids!
