Join for a virtual launch of Caldecott Medal winner Allen Say’s newest book, Miss Irwin, that tells the story of memory and family. After the reading of the new book, Allen Say will be in conversation around the resonant themes of this book and the process of painting and creating this story. He will be joined by Lori Benton, Vice President and Publisher for Scholastic Trade Publishing and Say's long-time friend and collaborator, and Ken Geist, Vice President Publisher at Large at Scholastic and editor of Miss Irwin.
The JANM Book Club is a series of Public Programs that highlight new publications by Japanese Americans or related to Japanese American history and culture.
About the Book:
As a young woman, Miss Irwin was a kindergarten teacher who loved introducing the world of discovery to her students. As a grandmother, she often reflects on her wonderful days exploring with her students. When her grandson asks her about a mysterious box on the shelf, she gets lost in memory and her mind transports her back in time to when she was Miss Irwin. At first her grandson is confused, but remembers his grandmother's forgetfulness and plays along as the student who made the bird's nest inside the white box.
Allen Say's breathtaking artwork and emotionally powerful and thoughtful text gently weave a touching story about memory and family. Together, the grandmother and grandson rejoice in the meaning and beauty of memory before all is lost. Miss Irwin helps readers of all ages better understand and interact with loved ones who are experiencing memory loss.
Miss Irwin will be available in the JANM Store. Find Allen Say’s other books available now in the JANM Store. Limited signed copies will be available.
JANM Members: Personalized signed bookplates for copies of Miss Irwin will be available to JANM Members only! Visit the Museum Store and write your personalization in the NOTES section of the order form. Then remember to put “JANM member” as the discount code at the end of the order form. This will ensure that you will receive the personalization. (If you do not see your discount code applied to your order, please contact us at museumstore@janm.org. ) Personalizations will be limited to names and short greetings only (e.g. To _____ for a Happy Birthday!, or Merry Christmas to the Saito Family) You can also request a signature only. Make sure to place your order by April 20th to ensure fulfillment. This event is virtual, so your book will be shipped directly to you in the weeks following the Program!