Meet Authors and Illustrators at Rooted in Reading

Join us for an afternoon of books, art and plants at our second “Rooted in Reading” celebration. We’ll have fun activities from Museo de las Americas, Environmental Learning for Kids and Art Garage. You’ll have an opportunity to meet local authors and illustrators Jolene Gutierrez, Brittany Cicchese, Carmela LaVigna Coyle and Cathy Morrison! Their books will be available for purchase, or you can find them in the Helen Fowler Library.

Here are some of the books by the participating authors and illustrators:

• Brittany Cicchese, author of “Tiny Worlds” and illustrator of “Just in Case: Saving Seeds in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault”
• Jolene Gutierrez, author of “Unbreakable: A Japanese American Family in an American Incarceration Camp”
• Cathy Morrison, illustrator of “The Tiniest Giant” and “Meet the Pollinators: A Night and Day Adventure”
• Carmela LaVigna Coyle, author of “Anyone Else Awake?: A Dawn Chorus” and “Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots?”

Other activities include coloring sheets, “Rooted in Reading” coloring bookmarks, free “Get Outside” kits (while supplies last), readings in the Helen Fowler Library for kids, a balloon artist and a special showing of the film “Amache Rose” featuring Jolene Gutierrez who will speak about her new inspiring and powerful picture book (cowritten by Minoru (Min) Tonai) “Unbreakable.”

This program is designed for ages 6-12 however, all family members are welcome!

Mark you calendars for Sunday, April 19, noon – 3 p.m. "Rooted in Reading" takes place in the Schlessman Family Atrium in the Freyer – Newman Center. Free! No admission required. Admission to the Gardens and galleries is separate.

While you are here, make sure to visit the library to view submissions to the Colorado Tree Coalition’s 5th Grade Arbor Day Poster Contest. The 2026 theme is “Healthy Trees, Healthy Communities”.