All memorable children’s books feature original art that is filled with colors and depth to draw readers of any age into the magical world or words.
To celebrate the vibrant work of illustrators, Tulsa City-County Library presents “Books to Treasure,” an annual event promoting the beauty of children’s literature and introducing the community to popular book illustrators.
New York Times Bestselling artist Derek Anderson is the featured illustrator for Tulsa City-County Library’s 2015 “Books to Treasure.” Anderson will speak, answer questions and sign copies of his books during a special visit Nov. 13, 7 p.m. at Hardesty Regional Library’s Connor’ s Cove, 8316 E. 93rd St. This event is free and open to the public.
Anderson has illustrated more than 20 books for children, and written and illustrated six children’s books. With author Cynthia Lord, he illustrated the popular “Hot Rod Hamster” series including “Happy Birthday, Hamster,” “Hot Rod Hamster,” “Hot Rod Hamster and the Awesome ATV Adventure!” “Hot Rod Hamster and the Wacky Whatever Race!” and “Hot Rod Hamster: Monster Truck Mania.” Hot Rod Hamster is always looking for adventure, big or small, and is always ready to lend a helping hand.
The award-winning “Little Quack” series, with author Lauren Thompson, is a bright collection teaching young children the basics of counting and colors as well as family and friendship. Little Quack, along with his siblings Widdle, Waddle, Piddle and Puddle, find endless adventures at their little pond.
He is the author and illustrator of “Story County: Here We Come!” “Romeo and Lou Blast Off,” “How the Easter Bunny Saved Christmas,” “Blue Burt and Wiggles” and “Gladys Goes Out to Lunch.” Released in April 2015 “Ten Pigs: An Epic Bath Adventure” is a funny story showing how a relaxing bubble bath in solitude is perfect until, one at a time, nine other pigs decide to join the relaxation.
In 2012 he collaborated with bestselling author Jane Yolen on the acclaimed “Waking Dragons.” This medieval rhyming story is filled with fantasy and humor as a young knight guides two dragons through a morning routine.
“Books to Treasure” is sponsored by the Tulsa Library Trust through a grant from the Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation. The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation is providing one free copy of Anderson’s “Hot Rod Hamster: Monster Truck Mania!“ to each second-grader in Tulsa County. Every student also receives a bookmark and bookplate featuring illustrations from the featured book. Students have the opportunity to receive a special library card featuring artwork from the featured book.
To enhance the author’s visit, Tulsa City-County Library children’s librarians will visit second-grade classes at all public and private schools in Tulsa County to promote the program. Librarians will provide specific lesson plans using Anderson’s books focusing on curriculum areas such as reading, math, writing, science and social studies.
Previous recipients of the Book to Treasure award include: Philip C. Stead (2014), Peter Brown (2013), Mo Willems (2012), Grace Lin (2011), Steve Jenkins (2010), Brad Sneed (2009), Jim Arnosky (2008), Floyd Cooper (2007), Lisa Campbell Ernst (2006), Janet Stevens (2005), Arthur Howard (2004) and Marla Frazee (2003).
For more information on “Books to Treasure,” call the AskUs Hotline, 918-549-7323, or visit the library’s webpage, www.tulsalibrary.org.
# # #