Guest authors to speak, entertain in October at Blue Apple Books
MADISON – Blue Apple Books is planning for a busy October with visiting authors.
Madison native Carter Hamric will visit on Oct. 1 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. to read and sing with families and show off “Big Ole Day at the Farm,” the latest addition to his “Big Ole Day” collection.
Hamric’s adventurous path began after writing a ukulele song following his son’s first beach trip. “That one song became our first book. With help of my friend and talented illustrator, Olivia Vanderhagen, we self-published ‘Big Ole Day at the Beach’ . . . and things took off from there,” Hamric said.
Since then, he has published four books and built a brand that brings families together with music, reading and playing. He is based in Nashville but travels extensively to share his upbeat message at schools, bookstores events and ‘sing-a-readalongs’ to tap children’s imaginations.
Then on Oct. 2 from 3:30 to 5 p.m., Blue Apple owner Robin Dauma is thrilled to host a Meet & Greet with Sara Cunningham – “mom, author and founder of the nonprofit Free Mom Hugs.”
“Cunningham’s journey began in conservative Oklahoma when her son, Parker, came out as gay. As a woman of faith, Sara wrestled with the news until she began to study, research and reconcile the two worlds. This journey resulted in her book, ‘How We Sleep at Night,”’ Dauma said.
“Free Mom Hugs is now a movement across the country and the world. Sara goes Beyond the Hug to educate and advocate organizations of all types including schools and businesses striving for safe and protected spaces,” Dauma said. Cunningham and son Parker have appeared on “Today,” and she has been featured in many national publications including “The Washington Post” and “People.”
Then on Oct. 3, “Madison Street Festival day is one of the best family days of the year in historic downtown Madison. We hope you’ll make it even better by stopping by to listen to local teen author Mary Abilene read her first published children’s book, ‘Super Avocado!”’ Tickets are not required, but a book preorder and RSVP will be appreciated.
“Super Avocado!” features adorable vegetables that teach the value of friendship and kindness. “Young readers will learn they don’t have to do everything perfect to be a superhero,” Dauma said. Tomato Tom and Ashley Apple are characters in the book.
Next, “romance writers Kara Reynolds and Laura Winter have graciously agreed to join visitors at Blue Apple Books for an after-hours author talk, Meet & Greet and book signing on Oct. 4 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.,” Dauma said. Tickets aren’t required, but a book purchase will be appropriate.
Kara Reynolds is a Florida-based artist and author whose goal is to portray “peace and whimsy” with her creations. Laura Winter, a romantic fantasy author, is obsessed with found family and sassy female main characters.
For more information, visit shopsouthandpine. com.
