Locally Grown Stories: Four Author Picture Book Reading

Let us read to you! This is a family event for both children and adults. Come join us for a magical hour of fun read-alouds and sharing at this gathering of local authors and illustrators each presenting their latest titles. An informal panel discussion with Q&A will follow.

Meet these four Asheville authors:

• Lauren Conrad – This is a Window
• Shannon Hitchcock – Of Words and Water: The Story of Wilma Dykeman
• Constance Lombardo – Itty Bitty Betty Blob
• Allan Wolf – How to Tantrum Like a Champion: Ten Small Ways to Temper Big Feelings

All books will be available for purchase and signing.

Lauren Paige Conrad is a picture book maker living with her family in Asheville, North Carolina. Using cut-paper collage, Lauren builds visual storylines that go beyond the written word. Her illustrator debut Your One And Only Heart (2023, Dial) was written by Newbery-Honor recipient Rajani LaRocca, MD. Lauren’s author-illustrator debut This Is a Window (picture book) was published in April 2024, with Astra Books for Young Readers. A follow-up book This Is Our City is set to publish Spring 2025.

Shannon Hitchcock was born in North Carolina and grew up in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. She is the author of five middle-grade novels: Dancing in the Storm, Flying Over Water, One True Way, Ruby Lee & Me, and The Ballad of Jessie Pearl. Her books have been featured on many state award lists and have received acclaimed reviews. Of Words & Water—The Story of Wilma Dykeman is the fourth book in her storyteller series, along with Saving Granddaddy’s Stories, She Sang for the Mountains, and Story Quilts. Shannon currently lives in Asheville, where she can see the mountains every day.

Constance Lombardo is the author of the picture book Itty Bitty Betty Blob illustrated by Micah Player and the author/illustrator of three middle grade novels about Mr. Puffball. Her debut picture book, Everybody Says Meow, was chosen as an Anna Dewdney Read Together Award Honor book, as was Tiny Spoon vs. Little Fork, illustrated by Dan & Jason. She lives with her family and old beagle, Louie, in Asheville, NC. Plus she likes Pictionary.

Allan Wolf is the author of many award-winning books for children and teens, including The Blanket Where Violet Sits, Behold Our Magical Garden, No Buddy Like a Book, The Day the Universe Exploded My Head, and The Blood-Hungry Spleen and Other Poems About Our Parts. He lives in Asheville, North Carolina.

Host or Publisher Firestorm Books & Coffee