Children’s author Artie Bennett (above) brings his tales of butts and burps to Oceanic Library next week…while Hester Young (below; photo by Francine Daveta) brings her thriller THE GATES OF EVANGELINE to River Road Books on Thursday, September 22.
One has carved out a niche career by explaining various bodily functions to beginning readers. The other aims to scare it all out of you, via her debut novel in the Southern Gothic Thriller vein. In the run-up to the release of Bruce Springsteen’s autobiography “Born to Run” (and his golden-ticket appearance at the Freehold Barnes & Noble), a couple of very different authors are speaking, selling and signing copies of their works at two favorite haunts for bibliophiles.
Her debut novel, “The Gates of Evangeline” is being called a “spooky tale perfect for longer fall nights” — and even as she prepares to release a sequel in autumn 2016, Hester Young makes time to visit Fair Haven’s River Road Books on Thursday evening, September 22. It’s there that the Boston-born, Jersey-based teacher/ mother/ author will read from “Gates,” the first in a planned trilogy of tales starring one Charlotte “Charlie” Cates, a reporter (and bereaved parent) whose investigation into a cold-case mystery in Louisiana is spurred by her recurring dreams of children in danger. There’s no charge to attend Thursday’s 7:30 p.m. event, but seating and signing copies of “The Gates of Evangeline” can be reserved by calling River Road Books at (732) 747-9455.
********
He’s been called “The Dr. Seuss of Your Caboose,” an accolade that draws into focus when you consider his book titles “Poopendous!,” “The Butt Book,” and “Belches, Burps and Farts — Oh My!” (his most recent enthusiastic release, if you’ll pardon the pun). If Artie Bennett has elicited pooh-poohing from some prim and proper quarters with his freewheeling series of picture books, he’s also gained praise for the real science behind it all — and he’ll be exploring that science in signature style, when he visits Rumson’s Oceanic Free Library next Tuesday, September 27.
Bennett will be reading from and spotlighting all of these acclaimed picture titles during his 3:45 p.m. appearance, as well as “Peter Panda Melts Down!” — an adorable-animal story of a three-year-old panda cub whose day with Mama Panda is punctuated by the odd toddler temper tantrum. Told in the author’s rhyming verse (and featuring illustrations by Jon Nez), the well-reviewed book should resonate with every parent or caregiver who’s ever spent a busy afternoon in the company of a youngster who “melts down” when things don’t quite go their way. A panda-themed craft is also promised for the free after-school event, with signing copies of Bennett’s books available for purchase. Seating is limited, so call (732)842-2692 to register.
