Storytime with the Author & the Illustrator of Once a Wasteland
About this Event
This is a story of a happy ending. But it didn’t start that way. The place? The Krejci salvage yard, in the Cuyahoga River valley between the Ohio cities of Cleveland and Akron. The problem? Pollution—and lots of it!
Once a Wasteland: From Toxic Dump to National Park brings to life the history and restoration of Ohio’s Cuyahoga River Valley, serving as an example for young readers on how once-devastated environments can change, heal and become places of beauty for all.
Accolades for Once a Wasteland: From Toxic Dump to National Park
- Called a "whirlwind historical tour of Ohio’s Cuyahoga River Valley" by School Library Journal.
- Named the 2026 Great Reads Selection for Younger Readers by the Ohio Center for the Book!
WHAT TO EXPECT
10:00 AM — Meet the author and illustrator for book signing at the visitor center.
11:00 AM — Story reading at the May Barn (located next to the visitor center).
After reading to 1:00 PM — Additional time for book signing at the visitor center.
TICKETS
At checkout, select the 'Add-on' option to purchase a copy of the book!
Story Reading + Book Signing Ticket Option:
- Due to space constraints at the May Barn, we have limited tickets for the reading portion of this event.
- Each ticket for the reading portion admits one child + an accompanying adult. If you are bringing more than one child, please select the number of tickets you need (even if there will not be additional adults).
- If you get a ticket for the reading, you do not need to get an addtional ticket for the book signing.
Book Signing Only Option:
- Book signings before and after the reading portion of the event are at the visitor center, which can accomodate more guests.
- If you only plan on attending the book signing to meet the author & illustrator, please select that ticket option.
- Each ticket for the book signing admits one child + an accompanying adult. If you are bringing more than one child, please select the number of tickets you need (even if there will not be additional adults).
LOCATION
- The book signing will be set up indoors at the Boston Mill Visitor Center.
- The storytime portion will take place outdoors in the nearby May Barn overlooking the Cuyahoga River.
- Parking is available at the Boston Mill Visitor Center (6947 Riverview Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264).
About the Author:
Diane Muldrow is the author of the New York Times-bestselling Everything I Need to Know I Learned From a Little Golden Book series, and a prolific author of children’s books. Her picture book We Planted a Tree was a 2010 Chicago Public Library Best of the Best selection.
She is a retired children’s book editor, and a proud Ohio University graduate. As a 6 ½ year-old, she took part in the first Earth Day by helping clean up the creek and woods behind her Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, home. She learned early that natural surroundings aren’t to be taken for granted, and that people can make a difference in their communities. Diane has visited national parks all over the country, the world, and near her Las Vegas, New Mexico, home."
About the Illustrator:
Amy Jindra Hodgson is an illustrator originally from Cleveland, Ohio. Growing up, her parents read to her every night, and she fell in love with the art of storytelling and creativity. She knew at a young age that her imagination and love for the arts would lead her to the world of children’s book illustration. Amy’s creative inspiration is driven by her wonderful family, friends, and good sushi. She now lives in Indiana, outside Chicago, with her husband and their loving giant Bernedoodle, Marley.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00 to USD 18.99
