Join us for a storytime celebrating wild animals and the wonders of nature!
Third Place Books welcomes All Are Welcome illustrator Suzanne Kaufman and wildlife photographer Fern Wexler to our Lake Forest Park store for a read-aloud featuring Suzanne's book Blue and Fern's book Families of a Feather: A Celebration of Family Diversity.
Suzanne and Fern's storytime is co-sponsored by the North Cascades Institute, a nonprofit conservation organization working to inspire environmental stewardship through transformative learning experiences in nature. Learn more at ncascades.org.
This event is free and open to the public. RSVP is not required. Readers of all ages welcome!
About Blue. . .
This sweet story about a child’s magical night with a blue heron is the perfect dreamy bedtime story for little ones.
One summer morning, Boy wakes up to discover Blue. Curious, he follows this mysterious bird on a day’s worth of adventure, play, and exploring the nooks and crannies of their coastal home. And at night, they soar, with hands and wings reaching for the stars. But as the sunrise peeks out, Boy is forced to say goodbye to Blue. For now.
In this gentle and touching story, New York Times bestselling illustrator Suzanne Kaufman proves that love can transcend all boundaries.
About Families of a Feather. . .
This beautifully illustrated picture book celebrates and shares the diversity of family structures by exploring a variety of bird families and the many ways they care for and raise their young—perfect for families with young children ages 4-8.
Discover the diverse family lives of a variety of bird species and the many different ways they work together to care for their young in this gorgeous book that celebrates diversity and inclusion.
Did you know:
Emu fathers and Ruby-Throated Hummingbird mothers raise their chicks all by themselves.
Laysan albatross chicks can have two moms who take turns sitting on their eggs.
Acorn Woodpeckers raise babies in huge family groups with many moms, dads, and siblings helping out.
Black Swans can grow up with two dads.
Families of a Feather illustrates the diverse nature of family structures with a message of love and acceptance that no matter what a family looks like they express their love for each other, and everyone deserves to be loved.
The book includes a short field guide with more information about the bird species included in the book.
Praise for Blue. . .
"[Kaufman's] compositions are masterful, with whimsically sketchy sun-dappled daytime vignettes of the friends in the fizzy surf contrasting with ethereal, star-studded double-page spreads that feel appropriately endless. A whimsical, luminous romp."
—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"Kaufman's immersive art will captivate young readers, and her gentle tale is particularly good for bedtime reading.... Blue will leave young readers with a newfound appreciation for and curiosity about blue herons and their watery worlds and a desire to fly away with their own feathery friend."
—BookPage
Praise for Families of a Feather. . .
"Families of a Feather by Fern Wexler is an excellent book for children or even adult birders interested in learning about the differences between species and their young-rearing behaviors. Illustrator Kelsey Buzzell has created realistic drawings of different feathered friends. I love that the pictures teach by clearly showing colored markings on the birds, which helps identify species in the wild. It had me reflecting on human families. Birds of a feather flock together, but who makes up the flocks is genuinely fascinating."
—Inga Buccella, Readers' Favorite
"Families of a Feather by Fern Wexler uses diverse bird species to show that there are many wonderful ways to be a family. The fascinating bird facts, sweet illustrations, and message of love make this an engaging and heartwarming book."
―Sarah Swanson, Author of Best Little Book of Birds: the Oregon Coast
Suzanne Kaufman is the #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator of All Are Welcome and recipient of The Ezra Jack Keats/Kerlan Memorial Fellowship. Her books include her books Blue, A Friend for Ghost, Confiscated, and her illustrated work: Hello Dog/Hello Human, Wherever You Go, All Are Neighbors, Big Feelings, Take Your Pets to School Day, Let's Eat, Let's Make Music, and 100 Bugs. Her books have been awarded Bank Street College Education Best Children’s Books of the Year, Washington State Best Picture Book Award, CCBC Choices recommended reads, and seen in the Bologna Children’s Book Fair Spectator Child Exhibition.
Fern Wexler is a writer and wildlife photographer in Portland, Oregon. They are a dedicated naturalist and birdwatcher, with a passion for helping kids experience nature. Winner of the 2020 Audubon Youth Leadership Award, Fern volunteers at the Bird Alliance of Oregon, teaching others to appreciate the world around them. You can find them on Instagram at @fernsibley.
Want a signed edition of the featured book, but can't make it to the event? Order through our website or over the phone, and write your request for a signature or personalization in the comments field at checkout. Please call the hosting store if you're placing your order within 24 hours of the event.
For media or access inquiries, please email
ZXZlbnRzIHwgdGhpcmRwbGFjZWJvb2tzICEgY29t or call our Lake Forest Park store at (206) 366-3311.
You may also like the following events from Third Place Books Lake Forest Park:
- This Thursday, 7th August, 07:00 pm, Mazey Eddings with Alison Cochrun — Well, Actually: A Novel in Lake Forest Park
- Next Monday, 11th August, 07:00 pm, Annalee Newitz with Ryan Calo — 'Automatic Noodle' in Lake Forest Park
- This month, 20th August, 07:00 pm, Chuck Tingle presents 'Lucky Day' in Lake Forest Park
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