Mitali Perkins's Blog, page 3
September 12, 2022
THE STORY OF US Fall IRL Mini-Tour!
My newest picture book, THE STORY OF US, explores the beautiful but broken relationship between humanity and the four elements. It's a book of hope (I hope) as children consider natural disasters like wildfires, earthquakes, typhoons, and tsumanis, which typify the chaos in the created order, and take stock of our responsibility to care for the elements. The book, which is illustrated gorgeously by Kevin and Kristen Howdeshell, releases 9/20 from Beaming Books. If you order a copy, I'm happy to send a personalized signed bookplate to you if you send me your snail mail (which I will keep completely confidential, of course.)
Also, I'd love to see you face-to-face if you're anywhere near Danville, California, Des Moines, Iowa, or Boulder, Colorado, or if you're attending the Rabbit Room's Hutchmoot Conference in Franklin, Tennessee. Here are the details of my fall appearances!%20%E2%A2%20Instagram%20photos%20and%20videos.png)
August 23, 2022
You're Invited: THE STORY OF US Book Launch Party!
Bay Area friends, you're invited to a launch party on September 25th at 3 o'clock in the afternoon at Rakestraw Books in Danville for THE STORY OF US (releasing 9/20), my new picture book from Beaming Books, magnificently illustrated by The Brave Union. Will I see you there? Sure hope so! Feel free to bring friends, too.
Check out the wonderful surprise I received when I saw the finished copies of the book for the first time.
June 2, 2022
THE STORY OF US: The Mystery of Creative Collaboration
Just received the Advance Review Copy of THE STORY OF US, a picture book collaboration with Kevin and Kristen Howdeshell coming from Beaming Books on September 20, 2022, and am in awe of what happens when we let go of control in the creative process.
April 6, 2022
BARE TREE AND LITTLE WIND Goodreads Giveaway!
March 9, 2022
On the Road with BARE TREE AND LITTLE WIND
Friends in the San Francisco, Boulder, and Boston areas, it's been a long time since I've seen you face to face. You're invited to join us for a reading and signing of BARE TREE AND LITTLE WIND: at Rakestraw Books in Danville, CA at 3 p.m. on Sunday 4/3, at Boulder Bookstore in Boulder, CA at 4 p.m. on Sunday 4/10, and at Newtonville Books in Newton, MA at 6 p.m. on Tuesday 4/12. Follow the links above to save your spot!
February 21, 2022
BARE TREE AND LITTLE WIND Launches into the World!
My new book, BARE TREE AND LITTLE WIND: A STORY FOR HOLY WEEK (Penguin Random House | WaterBrook & Multnomah, 2/22/22) is gorgeously illustrated by Khoa Le, who explains her process in this delightful video.
January 17, 2022
Cover Reveal: THE STORY OF US by Mitali Perkins, Illustrated by Kevin and Kristen Howdeshell
Doesn't it seem like the elements—fire, water, air, and earth—are at war with humanity? Disasters abound, bringing suffering and chaos, but so does human exploitation of the elements.
After one of my friends lost their home in a fire in Southern California three years ago, I wrote a poem trying to make sense of the adversarial relationship between the elements and us. This year, that poem takes shape as a picture book for children, THE STORY OF US, gorgeously illustrated by Kevin and Kristen Howdeshell, releasing September 20, 2022 from Beaming Books.
Today, as I'm sharing the cover to celebrate their art, I have to confess that in my career as an author over two decades, I've never longed more to hold a finished book of mine and take it in from cover to cover. I need this book. Just a few weeks ago, my beloved sister and family lost their home of twenty years in a catastrophic fire. I want to know that chaos won't have the last word and that one day these four elements and humanity will be at peace. My prayer is that this book will bring hope and solace to children and grownups alike, including myself.
November 5, 2021
STEEPED IN STORIES Gathering for EMILY OF DEEP VALLEY: You're Invited!
The third gathering in our series of seven will focus on EMILY OF DEEP VALLEY by Maud Hart Lovelace, and we will discuss the novel as well as learn more about the vice of despair and the virtue of hope. Please sign up here to receive the zoom link. These moderated meetings aren't recorded as I seek to create a safe, open space for sharing.
Thus far we've discussed ANNE OF GREEN GABLES (rigidity and love) and HEIDI (alienation and faith). During the latter gathering, my Aha! moment came as we explored Heidi's loving restoration of her Grandfather into community. One of our friends pointed out that an invitation to serve Peter's Grandmother by repairing her cottage was a crucial step in calling out his true self and reminding him of his connection to others.
Please come with an open mind and an open heart to be changed by encountering classic stories, flaws and all. Auntie Maud's story is the perfect holiday season read as we seek to grow in hope. Bring a hot beverage and light a candle and join us.
September 10, 2021
RICKSHAW GIRL North American Premiere at Mill Valley Film Festival
“In this Bangladeshi drama, feisty young painter Naima (a riveting Novera Rahman) sets out on a quest to save her ailing father. Her artistic gift has blossomed with his encouragement but hasn’t yet proven financially rewarding. Naima’s mother dashes such childish dreams, which sends the frustrated teen off to the big city, determined to earn money for the family’s survival. And she does, by disguising herself as a boy to get a job as a rickshaw driver. Still, Naima’s creative drive has her sneaking every opportunity to paint, and as her vivid artwork comes to life in beautifully animated form, there is hope that her emergence as an artist will be her true salvation. Based on the acclaimed and beloved young adult novel by Mitali Perkins, Rickshaw Girl is a magical ride.” ~ Carol Harada
August 31, 2021
STEEPED IN STORIES Book Launch Day!
“Read, wide and deep, with love, Mitali Perkins.”
That’s how I’m inscribing copies of STEEPED IN STORIES: TIMELESS CHILDREN'S NOVELS TO REFRESH OUR TIRED SOULS , which releases today. My hope is that this book will be a part of fulfilling Broadleaf Books ' beautiful mission to "expand the mind, nourish the soul, and cultivate the common good." If you want a signed and/or personalized copy, feel free to order it from Rakestraw Books , a local indie.
