'Children's Book Week' Celebration on Tap

Barrington Books will host three author events in honor of Children's Book Week, 2013, this week.

Children's Book Week, celebrated nationally from May 13-19, is the longest-running literacy initiative in the country, with commemorative events held nationwide at schools, libraries, bookstores -- wherever young readers and books connect. 

The celebration at Barrington Books kicks off with a special presentation and book signing by bestselling authors Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black -- creators of THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES - -on Wednesday, May 15, from 6-8pm. 

The first 50 guests will receive a free, limited edition sketchbook by Tony DiTerlizzi.

THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES -- about three siblings who have adventures in the fantastical world of fairy -- boasts more than 12 million copies in print worldwide, has been adapted into a feature film, and translated in more than 30 countries. To mark the series' 10th anniversary, Simon & Schuster is reissuing the books with all-new covers by Tony DiTerlizzi. 

Next, story hour fans who enjoy listening to read-alouds from host Margie Reed in the store's children's book section every Thursday at 10am, will get a special treat this week, May 16. 

Mary Jane Begin, author and illustrator of the new picture book: MY LITTLE PONY: UNDER THE SPARKLING SEA and many other award-winning titles, will read her new book and do a special MY LITTLE PONY drawing demonstration for the kids.

The store's weeklong celebration concludes with a "Middle Grade Authors Night" featuring readings, signings and Q&A with four award-winning children's novelists on Friday, May 17, from 6:30-8pm.

The panel of middle grade authors includes:

• Kimberly Newton Fusco, the author of BEHOLDING BEE, and two other novels, TENDING TO GRACE and THE WONDER OF CHARLIE ANNE, both of which garnered many accolades. Before becoming a novelist, Fusco was an award-winning reporter and editor for the Worcester Telegram & Gazette. She lives in Foster, RI, with her family. You can visit her on the Web at kimberlynewtonfusco.com. 
• Lynda Mullaly Hunt,  the author of middle-grade novel, ONE FOR THE MURPHYS (Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin), winner of The Tassy Walden Award: New Voices in Children's Literature. She is also a former teacher and scenario writing coach. 
• Ammi-Joan (A.J.) Paquette, the author of NOWHERE GIRL (Walker, 2011), and THE TIPTOE GUIDE TO TRACKING MERMAIDS (Tanglewood, 2012), as well as the forthcoming novels PARADOX (Random House, 2013) and RULES FOR GHOSTING (Walker, 2013), and the picture book GHOST IN THE HOUSE (Candlewick, 2013). You can visit her on the Web at http://www.ajpaquette.com 
• Kristen Tracy writes books for teens, tweens and young readers as well as poetry for adults. Her other novels for middle grade readers include CAMILLE MCPHEE FELL UNDER THE BUS, BESSICA LEFTER BITES BACK and TOO COOL FOR THIS SCHOOL (forthcoming, August 2013). She has also written several novels for teens/ young adults including LOST IT, A FIELD GUIDE FOR HEARTBREAKERS and SHARKS & BOYS. She lives in Providence with her husband and young son. You can visit her on the Web at  http://www.kristentracy.com.