Come celebrate all things fall with us at Dancing Bear Toys & Games on Saturday, September 6 from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm! Local author Mirka Hokkanen will lead a storytime and craft activity to promote the release of her two, autumn-themed books for kids: Little Seasons: Autumn Leaves and How the Forest Feels. After the reading and activity, Mirka will sign books. Copies of her books will be available for purchase at the event.
This event is free and open to the public. For accessibility requests, email info@curiousiguana.com at least two (2) weeks prior to the event.
About the books:
Little Seasons: Autumn Leaves – A funny and informative nonfiction picture book exploring the incredible journey of leaves throughout the seasons– including interactive back matter and a tear-out memory card game.
Discover the incredible journey of leaves each season and their essential role in nature! As winter fades into spring, the big job of leaves begins—unfurling from buds and stretching out to soak up the sun. From delicate maple leaves to the large fronds of ferns and everything in between, learn what leaves can do in this pitch-perfect picture book for young readers. With clear, informative text and bright, charming illustrations, along with amusing interjections from the leaves themselves, this is an exciting addition to the LITTLE SEASONS picture book series exploring natural life cycles!
How the Forest Feels – Forest school meets sensory play in this cozy picture book about a grandparent and grandchild on an exploratory walk through the woods.
Smooth and wet is a stone in a creek. Slippery and cold is the splash on your cheek.
A boy and his grandfather travel through a scenic forest on a sensory adventure written in soothing rhyme. Everywhere they look, there are fascinating things to see and feel. The boy is naturally curious… and in the woods, it’s okay to touch!
Some things are sticky. Some things are firm. Some are oozy or crumbly or coarse. The boy delights in using his sense of touch to explore the natural world—made even sweeter by grandpa as his companion.
With soft, velvety illustrations, this sumptuous story is just right for kids who learn by doing, and makes an ideal read-aloud for preschools with sensory awareness on the curriculum. Back matter features an author’s note about the five senses, as well as an interactive sensory treasure hunt for curious young readers (with adult supervision).
About the author: Mirka Hokkanen is a Finnish-American neurodivergent author and illustrator who loves creating stories that bring joy to kids. Mirka is the creator for the graphic novel series Mossy and Tweed (Holiday House), the picture book series Kitty and Cat (Candlewick), and the non-fiction picture book series Little Seasons (OddDot). Mirka started out in the fine art world, exhibiting in galleries, teaching and selling at art fairs before starting to illustrate books and license her work. As a military spouse and mom to three kids, Mirka has learned to adapt quickly to all kinds of situations, and turn challenges into opportunities. She currently lives outside of Washington DC in Maryland, and loves to knit, sew and explore the outdoors on her free time. For more info, see MirkaH.com
