Tiny Tots in Tiaras and Tuxedos—Local Author Francene Hill Speaks at The Writer’s Center December 8, 2025

Join local author, Francene Mary Diane Hill, as she shares insights into her new biography, Tiny Tots in Tiaras and Tuxedos: The Life, Love, and Business Success of Kermit B. Hill, at The Writer’s Center in Bethesda on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 7:00 – 8:30 pm.

This creative biography tells the story of the author's mother, Kermit B. Hill, an African American woman entrepreneur with an unforgettable name. Kermit broke racial and gender barriers, rising from segregated Arkansas to guarding wartime secrets at the Pentagon during World War II. She went on to found and lead the groundbreaking Tiny Tot Nursery School of St. Louis for six decades.

Drawing from her parents’ 80 personal love letters, hundreds of photographs, and original War Department files, Francene traces Kermit’s journey. The book reveals her path from a juvenile probation officer in segregated Arkansas, to dancing the Lindy Hop in juke joints, and ultimately becoming the founder of Tiny Tot Nursery School.

Francene will read excerpts and discuss how she transformed genealogy records, weather reports, and newspaper clippings into a vivid, creative biography. She will also discuss how her parents’ love letters helped shape the dialogue and real-life characters at the heart of her mother’s intimate story.

The event is hosted by The Writer’s Center, located at 4508 Walsh St, Bethesda MD 20815. Please RSVP to attend this free event.

Additional Book Launch Events

Join Author Francene Hill at these other events:

• Saturday, January 24, 2026; 3:00–5:00 pm
  • Wheaton Library
  • 11701 Georgia Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902
• Sunday, February 1, 2026; 2:00–3:30 pm
  • Olney Library
  • 3500 Olney-Laytonsville Rd, Olney, MD 20832

Bring your copy or grab one at any of these book launch events—and don’t miss the chance to meet the author and get your book signed!