Ocean County Librarian Celebrates Her Children's Book Launch

A local librarian will celebrate the launch of her second novel while giving schoolchildren impacted by Superstorm Sandy a chance to have some fun.

Toms River's Ocean County Library branch on Tuesday morning will welcome 108 students displaced from their schools as author Nan Marino shares her New Jersey story of resiliency, "Hiding Out At The Pancake Palace."

"It’s a positive story and it’s about New Jersey," said Marino, who also wrote the 2009 book "Neil Armstrong is my Uncle, and Other Lies Muscle Man McGinty Told Me." Her latest endeavor is aimed at "tween-aged" audience, according to Marino.

The Tuesday celebration at the library for students from Hugh J. Boyd Elementary School in Seaside Heights and Beach Haven Elementary is meant to give the youngsters a break from the storm's affects.

"It is allowing them to have some fun during this stressful time of recovery, rebuilding and relocation," Marino said. 

Students will be given a complimentary copy of the book, which follows an 11-year-old musical prodigy who panics during a performance on national television and flees to spend the summer in anonymity at his aunt's restaurant. Marino will discuss the book and children will compete at activity stations for prizes. 

Another program celebrating the book's launch will be held on Tuesday at 7 p.m., also at the library's Toms River branch. The event is open to the public and the library encourages families to attend.

Marino's first book was awarded the Society of Children’s Bookwriters and Illustrators "Golden Kite Honor" and appeared on the Garden State Children’s Book List. More information about the author and her books is available on Marino's website.