Imagination Fridays is co-sponsored by the Tucson Festival of Books and Worlds of Words/University of Arizona on Fridays at 1:00-1:45 pm from September to December with an author or illustrator who has a new book. Add excitement to Fridays with world-renowned children’s authors and illustrators to encourage children as readers, writers, and illustrators.
You must register for the webinars to attend and will receive a link to join each webinar. The webinar is recorded and those who register receive a link to watch the recording if unable to join us live.
Duncan Tonatiuh - November 14 - Register Here
Meet author/illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh and hear about his new picturebook, Vida: The Mice, the Cat and the Alebrije. This original fable, inspired by Mexican folk art, is about a city named Mousetepec, full of music and joy, until the dark shadow of un gato appears and everyone is terrorized by the cat. Duncan will share his book and invite children to confront the “shadows” in their lives. Also available in Spanish ed.
Duncan Tonatiuh is an award-winning author-illustrator who is both Mexican and American. He grew up in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico and graduated from Parsons School of Design and Eugene Lang College in New York City. His artwork is inspired by Pre-Columbian art, particularly that of the Mixtec codices. His aim is to create images and stories that honor the past, but that are relevant to children today.
Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris - December 12 - Register Here
Meet Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris to celebrate their newest First Cat in Space adventure, The First Cat in Space and the Baby Pirate’s Revenge. In this graphic novel, First Cat and the Moon Queen join forces with the pirate Captain Babybeard to recover a treasure map and rescue the moon from falling into the wrong hands. Mac and Shawn will introduce their new adventure and invite children to share their ideas for the next First Cat in Space adventure and answer questions.
Mac Barnett is the 2025-2026 Library of Congress National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature and a bestselling author whose books include Sam & Dave Dig a Hole, I Love You Like a Pig and The Magic Wand. He is the author of the First Cat graphic novel series. He lives in Oakland, CA.
Shawn Harris is an illustrator whose picturebooks have won many awards. His books include Her Right Foot, Everyone’s Awake, A Polar Bear in the Snow, and Have You Seen a Flower. He is the illustrator of the First Cat graphic novel series. He occasionally moonlights as a singer-songwriter in Oakland, CA.
Pam Muñoz Ryan - September 26 - Watch Here
Pam Muñoz Ryan as she introduces her new novel, El Niño, that combines reality, fantasy and myth. Kai Sosa, a competitive swimmer, discovers an underwater realm and mysterious library that helps him cope with the loss of his sister. Myth and reality collide as an El Niño storm unleashes its fury. This exquisite novel is printed in blue ink with illustrations by Joe Cepeda. Pam Muñoz Ryan is the author of bestselling novels, including Esperanza Rising, Becoming Naomi León, The Dreamer, Echo, Mañanaland and Solimar. She has received many awards, including a Newbery Honor and several Pura Belpré Medals. Many of her stories reflect her Mexican heritage. Her newest book is El Niño.
Adam Rex - October 24 - Watch Here
Adam Rex, author and illustrator of The Story of Gumluck and the Heroes, will share a hilarious new early chapter book that asks what really makes someone a hero. In this absurdly silly and heartfelt book,the absent-minded Gumluck goes on a quest with three companions who claim to be heroes. Adam will share his new book and invite children to sketch along with him and answer questions.
Adam Rex is the New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich, On Account of the Gum, The Thirteenth Day of Christmas, and The True Meaning of Smekday (made into the animated movie Home). He is the author of Oh No, The Aunts Are Here and Pluto Gets the Call, and the illustrator of Chu’s Day. He has also created art for games like Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering. He lives in Tucson, Arizona with his cat, dog, son, and wife.
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