Award Winning and New York Times Bestselling Authors
Kirby Larson And Mary Nethery Visit Edmonds
Award Winning Authors Share the Story Behind Their Stories
Edmonds, WA —Sept. 22, 2010— Students at Maplewood K-8 and Edmonds Heights K-12 will get a special treat on October 14, 2010, when New York Times Bestselling Authors, Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery visit. In a series of assemblies, Larson and Nethery will discuss their writing backgrounds and explain how their award winning books Nubs, The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine and a Miracle, and Two Bobbies, A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship and Survival came to be written.
“We are thrilled that Two Bobbies and Nubs have touched so many readers. We are so excited to be presenting together and accepting the WCCPB award at the Washington Library Media Association (WLMA) Conference in October,” said Nethery. Nethery and Larson will attend the WLMA Conference in October both as speakers and to accept the Washington Children’s Choice Picture Book Award for Two Bobbies.
ABOUT – Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine and a Miracle, ISBN 031605318X, Little Brown
Nubs, an Iraqi dog of war, never had a home or a person of his own. He was the leader of a pack of wild dogs living off the land and barely surviving. But Nubs’ life changed when he met Marine Major Brian Dennis. The two formed a fast friendship, made stronger by Dennis's willingness to share his meals, offer a warm place to sleep, and give Nubs the kind of care and attention he had never received before. Nubs became part of Dennis's human "pack" until duty required the Marines to relocate a full 70 miles away--without him. Nubs had no way of knowing that Marines were not allowed to have pets. So began an incredible journey that would take Nubs through a freezing desert, filled with danger, to find his friend and would lead Dennis on a mission that would touch the hearts of people all over the world. Nubs and Dennis will remind readers that friendship has the power to cross deserts, continents, and even species. “Nubs” received a starred review from Booklist, debuted at #4 on the New York Times Best Sellers list, and was featured in the 11/16/09 issue of People Magazine. Major Dennis and Nubs were also guests on the Today Show, and the Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien. Reviews or features have been published in Reader’s Digest, Military Officer magazine, AKC Family Dog magazine, The American Dog Magazine, Dog World, and Publishers Weekly. For more information, check www.thestoryofnubs.com.
ABOUT – Two Bobbies
After successful writing careers, best friends, Larson and Nethery decided to try collaborating on a book. They were pretty sure the story would involve animals but that was all they knew. Then Hurricane Katrina hit. Nethery watched CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360 and learned about Bobbi and Bob Cat. “When I saw that interview, “said Nethery, “I knew the Bobbies’ story of friendship and survival was a story of hope for all of us.” She called Larson right away. “It was easy to say yes,” said Larson. After going to Louisiana and Mississippi to help with the clean-up and rebuilding efforts, “I wanted to use my writing skills to bring attention to the overwhelming needs of the Gulf coast region,” she said. Both Nethery and Larson agree that the story of Bobbi and Bob Cat, animal best friends was the perfect one for them, human best friends, to tell. The authors are donating ten percent of their proceeds to Best Friends Animal Society. Awards: 2009-2010 Washington Children’s Choice Picture Book Award, 2008 ASPCA Henry Bergh Award, Southern Independent Booksellers Award, 2009 IRA/CBC Children's Choice Award, A Junior Library Guild Selection, An Indie Next List Top Ten Pick. www.twobobbies.com
About the Authors
Kirby Larson’s portfolio includes the 2007 Newbery Honor Award book, Hattie Big Sky (Delacorte); and ASPCA Henry Bergh and Southern Independent Booksellers Award winner, Two Bobbies: A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship and Survival, (Walker), co-written with her good friend, Mary Nethery and illustrated by New Orleans resident, Jean Cassels. Kirby Larson lives in Kenmore, Washington. Look for Kirby’s new book The Fences Between Us: Dear America, in bookstores now. www.kirbylarson.com
Mary Nethery is the author of many picture books, including Hannah and Jack, Mary Veronica's Egg, and Orange Cat Goes to Market.She shares the WCCPB, ASPCA Henry Bergh Children's Book Award and the SIBA Award for Two Bobbies with her sweet friend, Kirby Larson. Nethery's newest picture book, The Famous Nini: A Mostly True Story of How a Plain White Cat Became a Star is in stores now. Mary Nethery lives in Eureka, California. www.marynethery.com
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