Feb
3
6:00 PM18:00

Reading Rainbow Host Mychal Threets Spreads "Library Joy" in His Debut Picture Book

Join us for an evening to celebrate library joy with Reading Rainbow host, social media sensation, and debut author Mychal Threets and illustrator Lorraine Nam as they discuss their picture book I’M SO HAPPY YOU’RE HERE: A Celebration of Library Joy.

Moderated by award-winning and bestselling author Jacqueline Woodson, Threets and Nam will share the book’s origin story, their process, being a “library kid” and the wonder that visiting the library for the first time can bring. A signing will follow the discussion.

Mychal Threets is a librarian and advocate for the spread of library joy! He is the creator of many viral clips sharing affirmations and encouragement for all who visit the library. Currently, Mychal serves as the resident librarian for PBS KIDS.

Lorraine Nam is an illustrator based in Brooklyn. She was born in Philadelphia where she spent her childhood drawing pictures and folding origami to pass the time. She now combines those two loves to create illustrations.

Jacqueline Woodson is the recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship, a Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship, the Astrid Lindgren Memorial and the Hans Christian Andersen Medal, among many others. Woodson received the National Book Award for her New York Times bestselling memoir, Brown Girl Dreaming, which also received the Coretta Scott King Award, a Newbery Honor, the NAACP Image Award, and a Sibert Honor. She also wrote the adult books Red at the Bone, a New York Times bestseller, and Another Brooklyn, a National Book Award finalist. Her books include Coretta Scott King Award and NAACP Image Award winner Before the Ever After; New York Times bestsellers The Year We Learned to Fly, The Day You Begin, and Harbor Me; The Other Side; Each Kindness; Caldecott Honor book Coming On Home Soon; Newbery Honor winners Feathers, Show Way, and After Tupac and D Foster; and Miracle’s Boys, which received the LA Times Book Prize and the Coretta Scott King Award.

 RSVP HERE

Event guidelines:

  • RSVP is required to attend.

  • Additional copies of the featured book will be available for purchase at the event.

  • The talk will be followed by a book signing.

  • As a reminder: If you are not feeling well, please do not come to the event, even if you have a ticket; email us and we'll work it out.

If you have any questions regarding these guidelines or to request accessibility accommodations, please contact eventhelp@booksaremagic.net.

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Mar
29
10:00 AM10:00

Idris Goodwin & Lorraine Nam: "Your House Is Not Just a House" at Central Library

  • Enoch Pratt Library - Central Library (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join Idris Goodwin & Lorraine Nam to discuss their book "Your House Is Not Just a House."

Are you ready for a family-friendly, fun-filled day complete with stories, songs, dance, and lots of creativity?

 

Join us on Saturday, March 29 from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Central Library for our Imagination Celebration free family festival! 

 

Meet Idris Goodwin and Lorraine Nam, author and illustrator of our featured title, Your House is Not Just a House! Receive a free book and imagination kit, while supplies last. Enjoy storytelling and dance with Culture Queen and Prakriti Dance! Let your creativity and imagination shine with crafts and activities.

 

This event is sponsored by the Aegon Transamerica Foundation.

Meet the creators of this year's Imagination Celebration book!

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Mar
28
1:00 PM13:00

Idris Goodwin & Lorraine Nam: "Your House Is Not Just a House" at Southeast Anchor

  • Enoch Pratt Library - Southeast Anchor (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join Idris Goodwin & Lorraine Nam to discuss their book "Your House Is Not Just a House."

Meet the creators of this year's Imagination Celebration book!

From breakbeat poet and playwright Idris Goodwin and celebrated artist Lorraine Nam comes a whimsical, irresistible rhyming read-aloud empowering kids to embrace their imagination. Perfect for fans of The Year We Learned to Fly and Boxitects.


It seems your home is just

walls, windows, and doors,

but take a closer look—

it's that and so much more!


One rainy day, a kid opens their closet to discover a teleportation chamber. In the adventure of make-believe that follows, we are invited to see our homes as more than places to live—they are vessels for creativity and joy.

About the Program:

  • To attend in person please register here. 

  • Doors will open to registered attendees at 12pm. 

  • All registered in person attendees will receive a free copy of the book while supplies last. 

  • ADA-accessible parking, bike parking, metered parking along Eastern Avenue and South Conkling Street, and free street parking within two blocks are available. A public parking garage is nearby.

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Mar
27
4:00 PM16:00

Idris Goodwin & Lorraine Nam: "Your House Is Not Just a House" at Light Street Branch

  • Enoch Pratt Library - Light Street Branch (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join Idris Goodwin & Lorraine Nam to discuss their book "Your House Is Not Just a House."

Meet the creators of this year's Imagination Celebration book!

From breakbeat poet and playwright Idris Goodwin and celebrated artist Lorraine Nam comes a whimsical, irresistible rhyming read-aloud empowering kids to embrace their imagination. Perfect for fans of The Year We Learned to Fly and Boxitects.


It seems your home is just

walls, windows, and doors,

but take a closer look—

it's that and so much more!


One rainy day, a kid opens their closet to discover a teleportation chamber. In the adventure of make-believe that follows, we are invited to see our homes as more than places to live—they are vessels for creativity and joy.

About the Program:

  • To attend in person please register here. 

  • Doors will open to registered attendees at 3pm. 

  • All registered in person attendees will receive a free copy of the book while supplies last. 

  • Street parking, ADA-accessible parking spot, and bike parking are available. There is a public parking garage nearby.

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Mar
27
10:30 AM10:30

Idris Goodwin & Lorraine Nam: "Your House Is Not Just a House" at Waverly Branch

  • Enoch Pratt Library - Waverly Branch (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join Idris Goodwin & Lorraine Nam to discuss their book "Your House Is Not Just a House."

Meet the creators of this year's Imagination Celebration book!

From breakbeat poet and playwright Idris Goodwin and celebrated artist Lorraine Nam comes a whimsical, irresistible rhyming read-aloud empowering kids to embrace their imagination. Perfect for fans of The Year We Learned to Fly and Boxitects.


It seems your home is just

walls, windows, and doors,

but take a closer look—

it's that and so much more!


One rainy day, a kid opens their closet to discover a teleportation chamber. In the adventure of make-believe that follows, we are invited to see our homes as more than places to live—they are vessels for creativity and joy.

About the Program:

  • Doors will open to registered attendees at 10am.

  • All registered in person attendees will receive a free copy of the book while supplies last.

  • Bike parking and metered street parking are available.

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Story Time with Idris Goodwin and Lorraine Nam at Greenlight Bookstore in Brooklyn
May
25
11:00 AM11:00

Story Time with Idris Goodwin and Lorraine Nam at Greenlight Bookstore in Brooklyn

  • Greenlight Bookstore Fort Greene (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Story Time: Idris Goodwin and Lorraine Nam present Your House Is Not Just a House

Author Idris Goodwin and illustrator Lorraine Nam present Your House Is Not Just a House together at Story Time! With whimsy and musicality, poet and debut author Idris Goodwin calls on his theater and hip-hop backgrounds to deliver an irresistible read-aloud, inviting us to see that our homes are more than places to live—they are vessels for creativity and joy. It’s a rainy summer day, and one child is about to go on an adventure of the imagination, as illustrated by Lorraine Nam’s beautiful and vivid cut-paper artwork! After the reading, Lorraine will lead a craft. Join us to celebrate with a special story time with Idris and Lorraine!

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Idris Goodwin and Lorraine Nam at Town Hall Seattle
May
18
11:00 AM11:00

Idris Goodwin and Lorraine Nam at Town Hall Seattle

Preschool children and their caregivers are invited to join us for a very special edition of Small Frye: Storytelling + Art at Town Hall Seattle. Together, we’ll celebrate the launch of author Idris Goodwin’s new book, A House is Not Just a House with interactive storytelling and hands-on artmaking with Seattle Children’s Theatre and teaching artists from the Frye Art Museum.

About the book, A House is Not Just a House
From breakbeat poet and playwright Idris Goodwin and celebrated artist Lorraine Nam comes a whimsical, irresistible rhyming read-aloud empowering kids to embrace their imagination. Perfect for fans of The Year We Learned to Fly and Boxitects.

It seems your home is just
walls, windows, and doors,
but take a closer look
it’s that and so much more!

Read More

One rainy day, a kid opens their closet to discover a teleportation chamber. In the adventure of make-believe that follows, we are invited to see our homes as more than places to live — they are vessels for creativity and joy.

Note: Trained teaching artists plan this program to be developmentally appropriate for ages 2-6. This is a free program for ages 22 & Under, but pre-registration is required.

Author Idris Goodwin is an award-winning storyteller for multiple generations. An accomplished playwright, breakbeat poet, content creator, and arts champion, Goodwin is recognized as a culture bearer who celebrates community values and cultivates histories with care. Idris is the author of over sixty original plays, ranging from his hip-hop-inspired breakbeat series to historical dramas to works for young audiences. Driven by a passion for cultural impact and civic engagement, Idris currently serves as artistic director of Seattle Children’s Theatre. Your House Is Not Just a House is his debut picture book. The book centers a biracial child, engaged and enthralled by his own imagination, discovering the possibilities even within his own home.

Lorraine Nam is a paper illustrator and daydreamer. When she is not folding, gluing, and cutting things out of paper, she can be found cooking, reading, or traveling. She currently lives in Brooklyn, New York, and frequently looks out at the New York skyline from her studio window. On a clear night, she is able to see the occasional star. You can visit her online at lorrainenam.com.

Presented by Town Hall Seattle, in partnership with Frye Art Museum and Seattle Children’s Theatre.

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Sep
30
2:00 PM14:00

Create a Magnetic Ice Skating Diorama with Lorraine Nam

Join Lorraine Nam, illustrator of Wei Skates On, for a magical and wintry project. Participants will create their own ice skating rink diorama and figure skating Wei. This inspirational picture book about facing your fears and finding the joy in sports, no matter the outcome. Space limited.

Children’s Day @ Brooklyn Book Festival

2:00 pm
September 30, 2023
Workshop Room 400, NYU Tandon, 5 MetroTech Center

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Apr
29
3:00 PM15:00

INDIE BOOKSTORE DAY! CELEBRATE WITH 40+ AUTHORS & ARTISTS!

April 29th, 11:00AM to 4:00PM ET
17th Street Location

Come celebrate Independent Bookstore Day at Books of Wonder, alongside 40+ New York City authors & artists!

Meet New York Times-bestselling authors, Caldecott medal-winning illustrators, and some of our favorite local children's books creators! 

For the last few years, Books of Wonder has been unable to celebrate the most magical day of the year — Independent Bookstore Day! That's why this year we're putting together a no-holds-barred extravaganza and we'd love to see you there! 


Join us on Indie Bookstore Day, Saturday, April 29th to meet 40+ NYC children's books authors and artists who'll be roaming our aisles as superstar guest booksellers. Come meet them, grab their autograph, and learn all about their own new books — and discover their old favorites!


Here's what to expect if you're joining us for our Indie Bookstore Day celebration!

  • Meet superstar authors and artists who are ready to recommend some of their very own favorite reads to you and your young readers.

  • Special art classes and story time sessions throughout the day you won't want to miss, led by authors and artists.

  • Grab a FREE autograph card! We'll have a very special Books of Wonder Independent Bookstore Day 2023 autograph card for every guest featuring the artwork below! Get yours and capture autographs from all the authors and artists roaming the store while you're here. 

3:00PM

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Dec
15
10:30 AM10:30

Sunday Storytime: Look Up With Me! with Lorraine Nam

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Neil deGrasse Tyson was born curious. And the secrets of a billion galaxies lay there—waiting for him to explore its cosmic mysteries. He just had to look up. Up beyond the city lights, up at the shining stars, up through the Milky Way, and past the veil of the night sky.

Follow young Neil's journey as he discovers the wonders of space, the thrill of science, and the joy in sharing the beauty of our amazing universe.

Come meet paper illustrator, Lorraine Nam and take a closer look behind the beautiful visual creation of this book.

10:30 am

December 15, 2019

Stories Bookshop

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Sep
21
1:30 PM13:30

Paper Creations with Lorraine Nam @ Brooklyn Book Festival Children's Day

Telescope-craft.jpg

Join artist Lorraine Nam — Look Up With Me — as she demonstrates how to make papercut illustrations, the technique that she used to create her book about Neil deGrasse Tyson’s life, the inspiring tale of how he became a world-famous astrophysicist.

Children’s Day @ Brooklyn Book Festival

1:30 pm
September 21, 2019
Art Spot, MetroTech Commons

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