The Hickory Stick Bookshop welcomes back bestselling author, illustrator and local friend Wendell Minor who will be signing copies of his latest book “Winter Magic” on Saturday, December 7th at 3 pm. The book is written by Robert Burleigh and illustrated by Minor. After more than a half-century as one of America’s foremost illustrators, Minor was recently inducted into the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Discover the magic of winter in this heartwarming read-aloud full of cozy charm and beautiful artwork. Best enjoyed with a mug of hot cocoa in hand, this seasonal celebration captures a beloved time of year—from making snow angels and gingerbread houses to sledding and ice-skating, to lighting the menorah and decorating with holiday wreaths and trees. It’s all inside this timeless gift book that brims with both seasonal and holiday cheer. Winter is special for all to experience and enjoy!

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Wendell Minor has created over sixty award-winning children’s books. Among his collaborators are Robert, Burleigh, Jean Craighead George, Buzz Aldrin, Mary Higgins Clark, and last but not least, his wife Florence. Wendell and Florence’s “If You Were a Penguin”, was chosen by Pennsylvania for its “One Book, Every Young Child” early literacy program, and Wendell’s books have been featured on the PBS-TV program “The Reading Rainbow.”

Minor is also the cover artist and designer of over two thousand books for authors Pat Conroy, David McCullough, Fannie Flagg, and Nathaniel Philbrick among many others. His portrait of “Truman” by David McCullough is in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington DC.

Among the many awards Minor’s books have garnered are: Cook Prize (best science, technology, engineering and math picture book for children), Notable Children’s Trade Books in Social Studies, International Reading Association Teacher’s Choices, Smithsonian’s Notable Books for Children, and John Burroughs List of Nature Books for Young Readers.
Minor’s paintings have been exhibited widely throughout the country. The Norman Rockwell Museum hosted an exhibition of 25 years of his children’s book art, Wendell Minor’s America in 2013-2014 and a book featuring the art is available at the Museum’s gift shop. In 1988 Wendell was invited by NASA to join a team documenting the shuttle Discovery’s return to flight. He has also created paintings for the U.S. Postal Service.

Minor has received Honorary Doctorates of Humane Letters from Aurora University in Illinois and the University of Connecticut, and lectures at schools and universities across the country.

PRAISE FOR THE BOOK

“Winter gets distilled into some of its signature components…. Each element is introduced through the same ‘I am’ sentence structure and linked through rhyme…. The carefully constructed scenes end on a contemplative note, comparing winter to a ‘very old story / or a beautiful poem’ and ‘a walk in the woods / and then back home’…. Minor’s gouache and watercolor art evokes holiday cards from bygone eras; the images accentuate the nostalgia with warmth and soft textures. A cozy poem to celebrate the winter season.”– Kirkus Reviews

“In the coldest months of the year, winter delights and surprises with the beauty, wonder, and magic it contains …. Rhyming lines and descriptive phrases celebrate Winter, while the accompanying illustrations bring the text to life ….Onomatopoeia and repetition round out the telling to create a multifaceted listening experience for children who are being read to. Readers who enjoy tales that celebrate the beauty in every season will appreciate the design and execution of this book. This is a fun addition to seasonal picture book collections for young readers.”– School Library Journal

This event is free and open to the public. If you are unable to attend this event, you may reserve a signed copies of “Winter Magic” by calling The Hickory Stick Bookshop at (860) 868 0525, or shop our website 24/7 at www.hickorystickbookshop.com.

The Hickory Stick Bookshop
2 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot, CT 06794
https://hickorystickbookshop.com/event/2024-12-07/wendell-minor-book-signing