PDA Event: Picture Book Party

Join us for a conversation with picture book authors Kyle Lukoff, Breanna Carzoo, and Debbi Michiko Florence, with moderator Kristi Chadwick.

All attendees will be eligible for a chance to win a sampling of prizes, including books from each author.

This event is part of the annual LibraryLinkNJ Summer Book Bash, a celebration of books and authors designed exclusively for library staff.

Speakers:

Kyle Lukoff is the author of many books for young readers. His debut middle-grade novel, Too Bright To See, received a Newbery honor, the Stonewall award, and was a National Book Award finalist. His picture book When Aidan Became A Brother also won the Stonewall, and his book Call Me Max has been banned in schools across the country. He has forthcoming books about apologies, vegetables, death, and lots of other topics. While becoming a writer he worked as a bookseller for ten years, and then nine more years as a school librarian. He hopes you're having a nice day.

A third-generation Japanese American, Debbi Michiko Florence is the acclaimed author of more than 20 books for children and tweens. Her books have received starred reviews, JLG Selections, and inclusion on lists such as Amazon Best Books and the Chicago Public Library Best of the Best. She loves to write stories about friendship and family. Her middle grade novels include Sweet and Sour and Just Be Cool, Jenna Sakai. She is also the author of the award-winning Jasmine Toguchi chapter book series. A native Californian, Debbi now lives in Connecticut.

Breanna Carzoo is an author-illustrator based in Austin, TX. She creates illustrations with cut paper collage and mixed media. Her debut picture book LOU was named a Kirkus Best Picture Book of 2022 and was shortlisted for the Barnes and Noble Children’s and YA Book Awards, and both LOU and GREENLIGHT received starred reviews from Kirkus and Publisher’s Weekly. Her latest picture book, The Squish was released in May 2024 with HarperCollins. Breanna lives with her husband, Chris, and their dog, Ozzie. Outside of writing and illustrating books, she’s a beginner swimmer and avid hobby board gamer.

Moderator Kristi Chadwick is Library Director for the Ballston Community Public Library (NY). She is also adjunct faculty for Simmons University School of Library & Information Science, and is a reviewer and writer for Library Journal. 

Register to attend. Please note: By registering to attend this program, you agree to the LLNJ Code of Conduct.

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