Hope College’s Little Read Lakeshore will host Marsha Diane Arnold, author of “Galápagos Girl/Galapagueña” on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020, at 10:30 a.m. for a live presentation about her book. Arnold will discuss what inspired her book and her writing process. A Q & A will follow the presentation.
Herrick District Library, in partnership with Little Read Lakeshore, will host Angela Dominguez, illustrator of “Galápagos Girl/Galapagueña,” on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, for three events. At 10 a.m., she will talk with families about her experience illustrating the book. For ages 5-8, at 1 p.m. Dominguez will discuss her journey as an author and illustrator. At 3 p.m., she will share her journey with young readers ages 9-11.
Herrick District Library will also host an event with Angela Dominguez on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m. The special edition of Evenings with an Author will be moderated by Jason Lavelle, host of The Raven podcast.
The program also announces a bilingual presentation on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020, at 9 a.m. by Valentina Cruz, whose childhood inspired Marsha Diane Arnold’s book. Cruz will share about her childhood on the Galápagos and how it impacted her life and will also share her love for the island and experience as a guide.
Due to COVID-19, these events and most of the Little Read Lakeshore program will take place virtually. Information about these events and the Little Read program is available on the website, bigrealakeshore.com.
Marsha Diane Arnold is a multi-award winning author, dubbed a "born storyteller" by the media. Marsha's stories are beloved by readers of all ages.
When not writing at her home in Florida, Marsha Diane Arnold enjoys traveling the world and always trying new things, like her characters. To learn more about her career and books, visit marshadianearnold.com.
Illustrator Angela Dominguez was born in Mexico City and grew up in Texas. She now resides on the East Coast.
She is the author and illustrator of several books for children and a two-time recipient of Pura Belpré Illustration Honor. Her debut middle grade novel, “Stella Díaz Has Something to Say,” was a New York Public Library and a Chicago Public Library pick for Best Books for Kids in 2018, Sid Fleischman Award winner, and an ALA Notable.
When Dominguez is not in her studio or visiting schools, she teaches at the Academy of Art University, which honored her with their Distinguished Alumni Award in 2013. To learn more about Dominguez and her work, visit angeladominguezbooks.com.
Arnold wrote “Galápagos Girl/Galapagueña” after visiting the Galápagos in 2007. The bilingual book, accompanied by Dominguez’ vibrant illustrations. tells the true story of Valentina Cruz as she vows to protect the islands and her animal friends. The book was published by Lee & Low Books in 2018.
“Galápagos Girl/Galapagueña” won a Green Prize for Sustainable Literature in 2019, as well as the Campoy-Ada Spanish Language Award, Bank Street Best Books of the Year 2019 and is a Junior Library Guild Selection.
The book was chosen by Little Read Lakeshore to encourage young readers to learn about and love the world around them and vow to protect it, just like young Valentina Cruz.
Valentina Cruz was born on the Galapagos island of Floreana, and while she was a child her parents taught her and her brothers and sisters to love and respect the unique beauty surrounding them. After attending university in Cuba, she was trained as one of the Islands’ highly professional guides, working in the Islands for 17 years.
Now married with two children, she lives in Australia with her husband, biologist Lazaro Roque. She never lost her love for her native islands and wants to share them with others who will appreciate their magic.
Hope College’s Little Read Lakeshore creates and fosters a culture where reading matters to children, families and those who support, advocate for and work with children. A shared experience of reading, discussing and exploring the themes of a common book creates a springboard to listen to and learn from each other. The month-long community-wide reading program takes place annually in November.
The Little Read Lakeshore is made possible in part by a grant from the Michigan Humanities, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. For more information about the program, visit bigreadlakeshore.com.