GASTON read by me!

Hello Parents, Educators and Readers!

I have received many inquiries over the past week about whether or not folks can read, record, and share my books with kids during this homeschooling period. YES, PLEASE DO! 

Yesterday I made a video of myself reading GASTON. You can find the video on  Instagram and FaceBook.  I hope you enjoy it.  https://www.instagram.com/kellydipucchio/?hl=en

Check out my GRACE GOES TO WASHINGTON and EVERYONE LOVES CUPCAKE book pages for downloadable activity sheets too.

Much love to all!
Kelly

GRACE GOES TO WASHINGTON AND READ IN THE PARK !

Exciting news!
It's been over 11 years since GRACE FOR PRESIDENT was first published and now there's FINALLY a sequel!

  

I'm really excited about GRACE GOES TO WASHINGTON and I'm looking forward to sharing the book with young readers and leaders across the country. 

UPCOMING EVENT NEWS: 

I will be reading and signing books at the Read in the Park event in Beverly Hills, Michigan on Saturday, September 28th at 3:00 PM.  For more details click here: https://www.baldwinlib.org/calendar/#/events/ndHGE8yQR1/instances/WuQNrqePsG/

I hope everyone is having a terrific fall. FYI - 2020 March Is Reading Month dates are filling up quickly so reserve your spring school visit soon!

POE WON'T GO and Two fall book signings!

I have always had a soft spot in my heart for elephants and so it was just a matter of time before I wrote a story about an elephant.

Meet Poe.

Isn't he the cutest?! I love him!

Zachariah OHora brilliantly and beautifully illustrated our new picture book, POE WON'T GO, published by Disney-Hyperion.

I'll be reading and sharing Poe Won't Go on Saturday, October 20th at Pages Bookshop in Detroit at 11:00 AM.
Visit their website for more details:
https://www.pagesbkshop.com/event/author-visit-poe-wont-go-kelly-dipucchio

If you can't make it to Pages on 10/20 because you'll be too busy watching the Michigan State/U of M football game (GO GREEN!), come see me at the Shelby Township Barnes & Noble on Saturday, November 3rd at 1:00 PM.

https://stores.barnesandnoble.com/event/9780061946487-0

Happy Fall!

Super, happy news! And TWO July book signings!

Summer is FINALLY in full swing here in Michigan and I am super happy to announce the publication of TWO new books!

I have always had a soft spot in my heart for garden gnomes so I was very happy to be a part of this sweet new picture book called HOW TO GROW HAPPINESS. It's illustrated by Matt Kaufenberg and I am so in love with the art. The story has a gardening theme which is perfect for younger children but truly, the message about cultivating happiness is for all ages.  ON SALE NOW.

On Tuesday, July 10th, my favorite superhero, Manny, soars back into town with a sequel called SUPER MANNY CLEANS UP! Illustrated by Stephanie Graegin this fun second adventure features Manny's new sidekick, Gertie and an important environmental theme. I just adore these two crime-fighting, cape wearing heroes and I hope you will too!

I will be launching the new Super Manny book at a special event on THURSDAY, JULY 12TH at Cascade Township Park in Grand Rapids Michigan. Join us for storytime, crafts and a fun clean up the park morning. The free event sponsored by Baker Book House and the Kent District Library starts at 10:30 AM. Follow this link for more details: https://bakerbookhouse.com/events/read-clean-up-with-kelly-dipucchio-2018-07-12

Finally, I will be signing both new books at Sterlingfest in Sterling Heights, Michigan on Saturday, July 28th from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Look for me at the SCBWI-MI table. Follow this link for more information: https://www.facebook.com/events/603954213315758/  I hope to see you there!

Happy Summer! Happy Reading!
x o

BIG news!

Giant GASTON plush dolls are now available on the MerryMakers website! 

https://merrymakersinc.com/

More SUPER signings this fall!

Saturday, August 19th - 10:30 AM
Nicola's Books
2513 Jackson Ave.
Ann Arbor, MI  48103

Sunday, August 27th - 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
The Book Beat's 35th Anniversary Party
26010 Greenfield Road
Oak Park, MI  48237

Saturday, September 2nd - 10:00 AM
Decatur Book Festival
Decatur, Georgia
https://www.decaturbookfestival.com/sessions/view/592c4680c024e3476f90a84c

https://www.decaturbookfestival.com/

SUPER Exciting!

Dear Super Readers!

I'm pleased to announce TWO new picture books this summer!

First up.

I'm so in love with the adorable babies AG Ford has illustrated for this sweet book published by Random House!  It's perfect for baby showers and new parents. As a mom who's facing a near empty nest with two young adult kids moving out of state soon this book really tugs at my heart strings. I hope you love it as much as I do!

LITTLES: And How They Grow
ON SALE NOW!

Next up!

Manny is a character who is near and dear to me. Look at the cuteness that is this little superhero! The book is beautifully illustrated by Stephanie Graegin.  Published by Simon & Schuster.

You can see the awesome book trailer here  >>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJsnpIDhrCw&feature=youtu.be

I will be reading and signing copies of Super Manny Stands Up! on Saturday, July 8th at 11:00 AM at the Barnes & Noble in Rochester, Michigan. Details here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/super-manny-stands-up-kelly-dipucchio/1125317625?ean=9781481459600

Look for more events coming soon!

SUPER MANNY STANDS UP!
On Sale July 4th, 2017

HAPPY SUMMER!!

Would you like to see them again?

I'm so excited! ANTOINETTE GOES ON SALE TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH! Valentine's Day! I'll be kicking off a national book tour on Monday in Phoenix with illustrator Christian Robinson. We'll be visiting 14 schools throughout the week in Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Jose, Portland and Seattle. I hope GASTON fans enjoy this new book featuring my favorite Frenchies and poodles! Thank you for all your puppy love and support.



* "In a delightful sequel to 2014’s Gaston, Gaston the bulldog’s poodle counterpart, Antoinette, wonders what she has to offer.... an action-packed romp.... Robinson’s Parisian spreads are full of retro verve, but he doesn’t overlook the city’s ordinary inhabitants—a garbage collector, a bubble blower in the park, a woman in a head scarf driving a car. DiPucchio excels in showing rather than telling, and it’s clear that beneath Antoinette’s fluffy exterior lies the heart of a hero." (Publishers Weekly, November 2016, *STARRED REVIEW*)


* "Fans of Gaston (2014) rejoice! Now it's Antoinette's turn to shine...fun for repeated readings." (Booklist, December 2016, *STARRED REVIEW*)

* "The beloved puppies of Gaston (2014) are back, this time with Antoinette's story of self-discovery as she reveals that every dog has a gift to share.... Once again, DiPucchio and Robinson don't miss a comedic beat, creating a playful and funny tale full of warmth that deftly explores complex themes of belonging, self-worth, and purpose. Robinson's seemingly simple artwork belies his masterful ability to imbue his characters and the places they live with an authenticity and humanity that move readers beyond the surface page.... A reassuring tale that celebrates the uniqueness of each dog (or person) and the creation of a purposeful life. Three cheers for the winning Antoinette, who "could not—would not—give up!"" (Kirkus Reviews, December 2016, *STARRED REVIEW*)

September Book Tour Schedule

Hello, Michigan Readers!
Hide your baby unicorns and candy! Dragon may be tormenting a village near you in September! I will be signing copies of my two new books, DRAGON WAS TERRIBLE and EVERYONE LOVES CUPCAKE, at four upcoming events. I hope to see you there!

SEPTEMBER 11, Sunday: Kerrytown Bookfest, Ann Arbor -Children's Tent 1-1:45 PM
SEPTEMBER 17, Saturday: The Book Beat, Oak Park - Storytime 1-3:00 PM
SEPTEMBER 20, Tuesday: Brandon Twp. Library, Ortonville - Meet the Author 7-8:00 PM
SEPTEMBER 24, Saturday: Bookbug, Kalamazoo - Storytime 2-3:00 PM

GASTON Plush Dolls Are Now Available!

Ooh-la-la! Isn't he adorable?! You can purchase your own Gaston plush by visiting MerryMakers online store.
 http://www.merrymakersinc.com/gaston.php?mtype=p

Grace For President 2016

So amazing! The Center for American Women in Politics at Rutgers University, in conjunction with their Teach A Girl to Lead project, has sent copies of GRACE FOR PRESIDENT to every woman governor, member of Congress, and state legislator in the country (about 1900 in total) encouraging them to read and share the book with their local elementary schools during a 2016 campaign focused on Presidents' Day and Women's History Month.

To celebrate Presidents' Day, the women of the Oregon House Democrats took part in a day of reading G4P. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZLEhuuuGfE

Way to go, Grace!

Bring Home the BACON!

EVERYONE LOVES BACON is sizzling hot and ready to serve! Please check out the awesome Bacon page on Tumblr.

http://everyonelovesbaconbook.tumblr.com/

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Illustrator, Eric Wight, and I will kick off the Bacon book tour at the Decatur Book Festival in Georgia this weekend - Sunday, September 6th at 2:15 PM on the Children's Stage. Click the link below for festival directions and details.

https://www.decaturbookfestival.com/

Locally, I will be reading and signing Bacon at the Barnes & Noble on Hall Road in Shelby Twp. MI on Saturday, September 12th from 1 PM - 3 PM.

Bacon makes everything better - including Back-to-School! Have a terrific year! 

EVERYONE LOVES BACON - Coming Soon!

On Sale September 1st

IT'S A BOY!

Oh, boy!  Please join me in welcoming ZOMBIE IN LOVE 2 + 1 to the world! Illustrated by Scott Campbell. Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers - An imprint of Simon & Schuster.

I will be autographing copies of my new book at the following locations:

Saturday, February 7th 11:00 am  SCHULER BOOKS & MUSIC 2820 Towne Center Blvd. Lansing, MI 48912  Phone: 517.316.7495

Saturday, February 14th 1:00pm-3:00pm  THE BOOK BEAT 26010 Greenfield Road, Oak Park MI 48237 Phone: 248-968-1190

I hope to see you there!

Hot Dog! The Critics Love GASTON!

It's been a doggone exciting year for my favorite Frenchie!  Here are some of the accolades GASTON has accumulated in 2014:

• Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Books of 2014
• Horn Book Magazine Best Children's Books of 2014
• American Booksellers Association 2014 ABC Best Books for Children
• NPR 2014 Great Reads
• Amazon.com Best Children's Books of 2014
• 2014 Junior Library Guild Selection
• Society of Illustrators Selection "The Original Art 2014"
• Semifinalist Goodreads Choice Awards Best Picture Books 2014
• Book Page Best Children's Books of 2014

THANK YOU to ALL for the puppy love!! And thank you to all of my readers who have welcomed Gaston into their hearts and home. Your support and enthusiasm has been amazing. x o x o

GASTON!

Please join me in welcoming GASTON to the world! On sale NOW! GASTON, illustrated by the amazing Christian Robinson, published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, received starred reviews from Kirkus and Horn Book Magazine, is a Publisher's Weekly Summer Book Pick and is an amazon Best Book of the Month for June. "Gaston will win hearts, as will his story’s message of belonging and family.A perfect read aloud that will leave them begging for more—an absolute delight. " - * KIRKUS REVIEWS, May 2014

I love this story and the illustrations. I hope you will too!

ZOMBIE IN LOVE - THE MUSICAL!

Hey, Ghouls and Boys!  I have some heart-stopping news! Oregon Children's Theatre will be hosting the world premier of ZOMBIE IN LOVE - THE MUSICAL! I will be in Portland for Opening Day performances on Saturday, March 1st to take in the fun and sign copies of the book. I can't wait! 

For more information about the show and how to purchase tickets, please visit the Oregon Children's Theatre's website.
 http://www.octc.org/onstage/zombieinlove  

CRAFTY CHLOE Dress-Up Mess-Up ON SALE TODAY! *tosses glitter*

Chloe's back for another fun adventure!

The Parade of Books has arrived, and it’s Chloe’s chance to showcase her crafty costume talents. Leo wants Chloe to be the Frankenstein to his Dracula, and Chloe can’t wait to dress like a monster. But when Emma wants to wear Fairy Club costumes instead, Chloe is torn like a scrap of fabric. She doesn’t want to disappoint her friends—but how can she possibly please them both? Luckily, a little glitter and a lot of imagination just might give Chloe the answer!

Clink! Clink! Raise your glass...

CLINK is the Grand Rapids Mayor's Book Club selection for the month of January. Thank you, Mayor Heartwell and the Grand Rapids Public Library!

November Is Picture Book Month!

Check out my post, Why Picture Books Are Important here.

Read*Share*Celebrate!