Dishwashers, Sneezes, and Flies: Saturday Storytime with Jennifer Bobay and Paige Halminiak

The Book Stall (811 Elm Street in Winnetka) is excited to welcome Jennifer Bobay and Paige Halminiak on Saturday, August 1 at 10:30 am for a special Saturday Storytime and drawing demo featuring their picture book, Dishwashers, Sneezes, and Flies. Meet Charlie, a lovable, chocolate Labrador Retriever. He comes home to an adoring family that tries to help him through some of his biggest fears and challenges. As Charlie grows up, he becomes more and more afraid of common things, such as dishwasher, sneezes, and flies! This charming debut children’s book, inspired by Ms. Bobay's family’s real-life pups will have young readers instantly connecting with Charlie who must learn to face his fears of everyday surprises.

Jennifer Bobay is a Chicago-based writer and teacher, who is also the proud mother of her son, Nick. She has been married to Patrick for close to 25 years and their son and dogs have filled their lives with laughter and love. Jennifer is a graduate of Indiana University and had the idea of her first children's book while she was teaching. Her students loved hearing the stories of her dogs and she saw the joy the stories brought them,. "Dishwashers, Sneezes, and Flies," is her first children's book and she looks forward to introducing new readers to the adventures of her sweet Labrador Retrievers.

Paige Halminiak is a Chicago-based illustrator and founder of Paige Halminiak Designs, a creative studio specializing in custom watercolor artwork. A graduate of Vanderbilt University, she began teaching herself watercolor in 2020 and quickly developed a passion for bringing people’s favorite pets, places, and things to life. “Dishwashers, Sneezes, and Flies” is her first children’s book illustration project and marks an exciting step in sharing her art with young readers and families.