Join us with authors Rebecca Simon, Jason Gardner, and Argyro Graphy.
Rebecca Simon, author of “Why We Love Pirates: The Hunt for Captain Kidd and How He Changed Piracy Forever” – How the global manhunt for Captain Kidd turned pirates into the romantic antiheroes we love today. During his life and even after his death, Captain William Kidd’s name was well known in England and the American colonies. He was infamous for the very crime for which he was hanged, piracy. Rebecca Simon dives into the details of the two-year manhunt for Captain Kidd and the events that ensued. Captain Kidd was hanged in 1701, followed by a massive British-led hunt for all pirates during a period known as the Golden Age of Piracy. Ironically, public executions only increased the popularity of pirates. And, because the American colonies relied on pirates for smuggled goods such as spices, wines, and silks; pirates tended to be protected from capture. The more pirates were hunted and executed, the more people became supportive of the “Robin Hoods of the Sea”―both because they saw the British’s treatment of them as an injustice and because they treasured the goods pirates brought to them. These historical events were pivotal in creating the portrayal of pirates as we know them today. They grew into romantic antiheroes―which ultimately led to characters like the mischievous but lovable Captain Jack Sparrow. Simon has presented her research on the history of pirates around the world and now she’s bringing the spectacular story of Captain Kidd to her readers.
Jason Gardner, author of “A Flower in the Mouth” – A Flower in the Mouth is a book by award-winning photographer Jason Gardner, showing the culture, music, and rituals of the authentic, folkloric Carnaval festival in Pernambuco, Brazil. The 128pp book contains color and black & white images and interviews of the people shaping this dynamic culture, as well as writing from Jason’s experiences.
Argyro Graphy, author of “The Adventures of Bentley Hippo” – A loud knock at the front door has Bentley startled. Who could it be? An excited Jaxon rambles on not making any sense. Racing ahead pointing in the distance Bentley follows this silly monkey. A large crowd has gathered making it impossible for Jaxon to see what the fuss is all about. Sprinting to the front of the line, Jaxon is stopped and directed to the back of the line by the ticket agent. Frustrated, Jaxon looks around waiting for the right moment. Determined, he makes a mad dash. Bentley has his hands full with this hyperactive monkey. The illustrations and expressions will have you giggling in this entertaining and educational story.