In regards to the ecent article about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (“Sixty books to grow on” Sept. 9), something that wasn’t mentioned is an exciting opportunity coming up: on Saturday, Sept. 26, author-illustrator Kari Percival will be in the area reading her newest picture book “Fall Day, All Day.” Her award-winning book “How to say Hello to a Worm: A First Guide to the Outside” is one of the Imagination Library offerings and both books are aimed at toddlers and preschoolers.
Saturday, Sept. 26, Kari will be at the Shutesbury Library (66 Leverett Road, Shutesbury; 413-259-1213) at 10:30 a.m. and at the Eric Carle Museum (125 West Bay Road, Amherst; 413-559-6300) at 2 p.m.
Full disclosure: Kari and her husband are old family friends and we have been lucky enough to watch her develop into a successful children’s book creator. And as a former school librarian, I am happy to recommend all three of Kari’s beautiful, fun and informative books.
One other aspect of Dolly Parton’s generosity is its ripple effect in the children’s book world. When a book is chosen to be on the Imagination Library roster, the book’s creators receive financial support by way of a significant bump in sales. And this is in addition to the affirmation and recognition authors and illustrators receive that their creative work matters.
As the article states so well, Dolly Parton’s desire to “grow readers” has done just that for millions of children. And it’s thrilling to know that she also had a hand in “growing” children’s book writers and artists. Dolly Parton knew firsthand how important it is to be literate and what better way to honor her than to introduce young children to a real, live author — and one who has also been supported by Dolly Parton.
If you are lucky enough to have a child in your life, I highly recommend coming out to celebrate with Kari and her books on Sept. 26.
Jane Urban
Shutesbury