Short Hills Children's Author to Host Reading at Hartshorn Book Fair

A Short Hills native and children’s book author will hold a special reading of her new picture book at the Hartshorn Elementary School Book Fair in Millburn on Dec. 3.

Animal and children’s book author Loren Spiotta-DiMare of Tewksbury, New Jersey is scheduled to appear at the Hartshorn Elementary School Book Fair on Wednesday evening. The author, a Short Hills native, will read her picture book, Madeline’s Miracle at 7 p.m.

This nonfiction story highlights a disabled pony, only able to walk on three legs, who is taken in by Mylestone Equine Rescue in Pohatcong, NJ.

Hearing of Madeline’s plight, area children raise funds for surgery and a brace to restore the young pony’s mobility. After the reading, Spiotta-DiMare will have a book signing with several of her titles. The Book Fair runs from Tuesday Dec. 2 through Dec. 4.

About Loren Spiotta-DiMare

A long-time animal lover, Spiotta-DiMare grew up in Short Hills and watched Deerfield School being built through the backyard of her Silver Spring Road home. She was a member of Deerfield’s inaugural first grade class.

A proud product of the Millburn-Short Hills education system, the author graduated from Millburn High School in 1974.

“I have very fond memories of growing up in Short Hills, so I’m particularly excited about visiting with students at Hartshorn,” she expressed.

To date, Spiotta-DiMare has had 16 books for adults and children published. Her picture books include: Chelsea & the New Puppy, Caesar: On Deaf Ears, Norman To The

Rescue, Broke Leg Bear, and Hannah’s House Rabbit. Her first chapter book series, Horses That Help with the American Humane Association was published this year.

While living on Silver Spring Road and later Slope Drive, the author had a dog, rabbits, parakeets and goldfish. Today, she and her husband, Lou DiMare, an attorney, surround themselves with a personal menagerie that includes the author’s beloved Quarter Horse, Elwood, six dogs, Biscotti the bunny, Loro a forty-eight year-old Amazon Parrot, 25 small pet birds and a Koi pond. Working from her countryside home, Spiotta-DiMare often says, “There’s certainly no lack of inspiration around here.”

Recognized by the Dog Writers Association of America, Humane Society of the United States, Doris Day Animal Foundation and New Jersey Press Women, Spiotta-DiMare’s work has been published both nationally and internationally.

Photo courtesy of Loren Spiotta-DiMare