Author and award-winning illustrator Henry Cole will share a presentation about his work followed by a book signing at the Del Webb Library on Wednesday, July 14. The Del Webb Library is the new branch of the Lancaster County Library system. It circulated over 100,000 items during 2009.
The Florida-based author, who has illustrated over 50 books, will highlight his first juvenile fiction novel, "A Nest for Celeste," in programs at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Following his presentation, Cole will sign copies of "A Nest for Celeste," a story following the adventures of Celeste the mouse as she searches for her home and makes friends with John Audubon's young apprentice along the way. The book has received favorable reviews from Publisher's Weekly, Kirkus Reviews and was named "Best Book of the Month of March" by Amazon.
In addition to "A Nest for Celeste," Cole also will sign "On Meadowview Street," "Jack's Garden," "On the Way to the Beach" and other select titles available for purchase in the library. Books are on sale now through July at the library's circulation desk.
"We feel so fortunate that Mr. Cole is coming to Del Webb Library to meet our summer readers, chat about his books and the artistic and creative process involved," says Cheryl Brown, children's librarian. "There is something special about meeting the one who wrote the words and created the illustrations of the books you know and love."
Cole's illustrations also can be seen this summer during the library's "Make a Splash...Read!" summer reading program, used statewide and across the U.S.
"Mr. Cole's visit is the highlight of our reading program this summer," says Brown. "With 47 other states in addition to South Carolina using his artwork for this year's summer program, it is an honor to have him visit us."
The Henry Cole program is a free, ticketed event held in conjunction with the "Make a Splash...Read!" summer reading program. Timed tickets are available at the library beginning at 9 a.m. on the day of the event. There is a limit of five advance tickets per adult.
For more information, call the library at (803) 548-9260 or visit www.lanclib.org.
