Join us for a reading of Digging for Words: José Alberto Gutiérrez and the Library He Built with picture book author Angela Kunkel, followed by a Q&A and kids’ book discussion with our book club moderator!

Books purchased through the registration page will be accompanied by a signed, personalized bookplate.

About Guest Author Angela Kunkel & the Book!

Angela Burke Kunkel is a school librarian by day and a writer in the very early mornings. Her debut picture book with illustrator Paola Escobar, Digging for Words: José Alberto Gutiérrez and the Library He Built, celebrates perseverance, community, and the power of books (RH/Schwartz & Wade 2020). Look for Penguin Journey, her nonfiction picture book-in-verse with Catherine Odell, in October (Abrams).

In the Columbian city of Bogatá live two Josés. One young, the other grown. One who waits all week to visit his beloved library, the other who spends his workdays searching for hidden books along his garbage collection route to fill that very library. As the stacks at the library continue to grow, the rescuer and reader of these tales come to share a very special understanding: stories can transport us! The two Josés might live and work and study in one city, but they can visit as many new places as they wish—by simply opening a book.

About Picture Book Club

Picture Book Club spends every Tuesday afternoon discussing the art and design elements of picture books. Our special monthly author-illustrator visits provide the unique opportunity to chat one-on-one with the people behind the books! Join us for a reading and Q&A with Angela Kunkel on April 27th at 4pm as she discusses her creative process! Perfect for ages 3-8, but open to all lovers of picture books, writing, and illustration.