The Art Of The Turtle-Dog, And Beyond
Children’s Illustrator Christian Robinson Charms At Central Library
By Becky Corning
Librarian, Pauline Robinson Branch
Families who attended the recent Christian Robinson event at Central Library downtown had a chance to hear how he creates art, then try their hand at making some art themselves.
Robinson is the award-winning illustrator of many children’s favorites, including Gaston, Last Stop on Market Street, Josephine, and Leo, a Ghost Story.
Last Stop on Market Street was the John Newbery Medal Winner in 2016. Robinson received the Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Award for Rain! and Leo, a Ghost Story was chosen as the New York Times Best Illustrated Book of 2015.
Robinson talked about his artistic process – which includes painting, then adding cut-out collage. The audience laughed when he described the “drudgery” of his artistic research for Gaston, including looking up cute photos of poodles and then more cute photos of poodles.
Robinson also provided a reading of his book, Antoinette, complete with images on a large screen and French music playing in the background.
After hearing about how Robinson creates art, participants were inspired to create painted and cut-out art of their own. Materials such as paper, scissors and glue were provided. Robinson walked around the room during the art session, providing encouraging comments to children as they worked on their pieces.
The children’s department at Central Library, at 14th and Broadway, will be hosting children’s author Amy Young at 2 p.m. June 27, and both Kelly Light and Molly Idle will be at the Central Children’s Library at 2 p.m. June 4. Keep an eye out for these and other events by checking our online calendar at denverlibrary.org, click “Events & Classes.”
Pauline Robinson – May events
Tech Help One-on-One | Mondays and Wednesdays, Noon-1p.m.
Get technology assistance from one of our in-house experts on your own device or a public computer. Learn the basics, such as email, social networking, word processing and eMedia. Call the library at 720-865-0290 to schedule an appointment for Monday or Wednesday.
Preschool Storytime | Wednesdays, May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 10:30 a.m.
Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for 3-5 year olds and their parents or caregivers.
Star Wars Boga Painting | Thursday, May 4, 5:30 p.m.
If you’re a Star Wars fan or love to paint, then this is the craft for you. Liven up any room with this glittery painting. Ideal for ages 3-10.
Saturday Storytime | Saturday, May 6, 10:30 a.m.
Join us for our new monthly Storytime on Saturdays. Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for everyone. All ages.
Gardening for Wildlife | Thursday, May 11, 5:30 p.m.
It’s garden time. Learn how to plant for pollinators and other wildlife. One starter plant will be available per person. Space is limited to the first 12 participants.
Anime Club | Saturday, May 13, 3 p.m.
Watch, read, talk, act, eat and breathe anime. Ideal for grades 7-10.
The Pauline Robinson Book Club | Saturday, May 27, 12 p.m.
This month’s selection: A Sinful Calling by Kimberla Lawson Roby. Drop-ins are welcome.
Park Hill Branch Library – May events
All Ages Storytime | Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for children of all ages and their parents or caregivers. Craft activity immediately follows the program.
Baby Storytime | Thursdays and Fridays at 11:15 a.m.
Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for babies ages 0-18 months and their caregivers. Play and social time immediately follow the program.
Toddler Storytime | Fridays at 10:30 a.m.
Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for toddlers ages 18-36 months and their caregivers.
Magic Club | Monday, May 1 and Monday, May 15, 4:30 p.m.
Do you already play Magic: the Gathering, or are you interested in learning? Stop by two afternoons a month to play and meet other teens. Ideal for grades 6-12.
Advance Directives Workshop | Tuesday, May 2, 4 p.m.
Learn how to have healthcare conversations with family, friends, clergy and physicians, choose an agent to speak for you in the event that you cannot speak for yourself, and write your choices about the care you want to receive toward the end of your life. You will leave with the paperwork necessary to complete advance directives.
Walking to Connect: a Cross-Country Walk | Wednesday, May 3, 6:30 p.m.
Jonathon Stalls walked 3,030 miles from Lewes, Del. to San Francisco, Calif. in 2010, choosing routes that went through rural towns and urban neighborhoods. His entertaining story just may motivate you to move more by foot.
No Strings Attached Book Chat | Saturday, May 6, 11 a.m.
Read whatever you want and attend whenever you can. Share a recent read, an old favorite, or anything in between.
Montview Preschool Carnival | Saturday, May 6, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Stop by our table and say “hi.”
Got Bounce? Exploring the Process of Resilience | Tuesday, May 9, 4 p.m.
During the stressful, difficult times we experience the importance of resilience – the ability to “bounce back” from adversity. Explore this important process and identify the various factors contributing to resilience. To meet the most daunting challenges of life, we gotta have bounce!
Teen Advisory Board (TAB) | Tuesday, May 9 and Tuesday, May 23, 6 p.m.
Join the Park Hill TAB. Help plan events and projects, talk about your favorite books, music, movies and make your opinion count. Plus snacks. Ideal for ages 13 and up.
Paint and Sip: Colorado Red Fox | Tuesday, May 9, 6:30 p.m.
Join local artist Porscha Banker as she walks you through painting a picture of a Colorado red fox. This is the third in a series of Colorado wildlife-themed paintings. In keeping with the tradition of paint-and-sip events, we will be offering mock-tails. Space is limited to the first 20 participants.
Early Literacy Book Share | Wednesday, May 10, 6:30 p.m.
Special guest: Children’s librarian, Amy Forrester will share her experiences on the 2016 Geisel Award committee and discuss what makes a great beginning reader book.
Tween Book Club | Thursday, May 11, 3:30 p.m.
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead. Activity: Play $20,000 Pyramid.
Mother’s Day Gift Make and Take | Friday, May 12, 4:30 p.m.
Make a gift, create a card and then wrap it up. Ideal for ages 7 and up or for younger children with an adult.
GRUPO TLALOC danza azteca | Saturday, May 13, 2:30 p.m.
GRUPO TLALOC danza azteca is a traditional Mexica/Azteca dance group embodied of chicano/mexicano families and students of all ages, dedicated to preserving and nourishing the ancient knowledge of their ancestors. They have pledged to uphold and walk a spiritual way of life and to help educate the public’s view of the Aztec culture. Grupo Tlaloc encourages audience participation to allow the public to experience firsthand the energy and transcendence of La Danza. On the lawn, weather permitting.
Kids’ Book Club | Tuesday, May 16, 3:30 p.m.
The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes. Activity: Found object art project
Cooking
for
#1 | Tuesday, May 16, 6:30 p.m.
You deserve a good meal and the self-care that comes from cooking for yourself. Learn tips and tricks to keep it fun and easy, from local caterer Monica Kadillak, so those solo suppers are sensational.
Breaking
Wild, with Author Diane Les Becquets | Wednesday, May 17, 6:30 p.m.
Diane Les Becquets’s national bestselling adult debut novel, Breaking Wild, is a gripping, evocative read about two strong women drawn to the western Colorado wilderness.
The author’s vivid description of the beautiful but treacherous terrain, realistic depictions of hunting and tracking, and compelling dual stories of two women’s complicated lives garnered critical acclaim when it was first published in hardcover last spring, ushering in a fresh new voice in fiction. Books available for sale and signing.
All Ages Play and Explore | Thursday, May 18 and Friday, May 19, and Thursday, May 25 and Friday, May 26, 10:30 a.m.
Unstructured play and social time for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. Enjoy books, music, and a variety of developmentally appropriate toys in our warm and inviting play space. This is an opportunity to introduce your little one to the library, make new friends, and learn through play.
Star
Trek
Cats, with Illustrator Jenny Parks | Saturday, May 20, 2:30 p.m.
Jenny Parks is a scientific illustrator with a penchant for drawing animals, dinosaurs, imaginary creatures and people as cats. In her first book, Star Trek Cats, her beautiful and playful artwork is out of this world. Books and prints available for sale and signing.
Advance Directives Signing Party | Tuesday, May 23, 4 p.m.
Return with your Advance Directives paperwork (see May 2 listing) and celebrate with others who have also completed this important planning document. Missed the workshop? Attend anyway and find out more!
How to be an Active Ally with Helen Thorpe | Tuesday, May 23, 6:30 p.m.
What does it mean to be an ally to the immigrant and refugee community? Bestselling author Helen Thorpe, whose book on the topic of refugee resettlement will be published this fall, describes her experiences getting to know various refugee families in Denver. Come be inspired to get to know your refugee and immigrant neighbors better.
Automatic Iris | Wednesday, May 24, 6:30 p.m.
A soundtrack for the nights you’re too proud to give in to your regrets, Automatic Iris is a family-friendly American rock band from Denver, Colorado. The band’s original pop songs incorporate sweet harmonies, filthy distortion and tales of smart people making poor decisions.
Divided Plant Exchange | Saturday May 27, 11 a.m.
Bring divisions of your plants and take home some new ones.