"Featuring children's books from local authors and music from local musicians, this family-friendly event gives previews into three new picture books highlighting music and self-care! Explore how instruments work, learn about recent history, and practice relaxation techniques. Participants will play music and movement games, explore creativity through crafts, and receive take-home activities. It's sure to leave you applauding and asking for an encore!"
Jen Fier Jasinski: Jen Fier Jasinski spent much of her childhood reading books and imagining new worlds. Unwilling to let go of Story Time, she grew up to become a teacher, mother, and author. Now Jen writes stories with elements of humor, heart, and above all, play. She is the author of Sidewalk Chalk, My Piano, My Violin and Because of You, I’m a Sister. My Piano earned a starred review from School Library Journal.
Tonnye Fletcher: Tonnye Fletcher is an author and music educator who writes stories of hope, music, and wonder. She is the host of PBJamz - a multimedia blog spotlighting picture books with musical hooks. She is a woman of faith and a literacy advocate who loves her family dearly. They all live in North Carolina on a small family farm, where Tonnye tries to grow herbs and other plants. Tonnye shares an old Victorian farmhouse with her husband, Shane, and their cats.
Alicia Meyers: Alicia Meyers is an elementary school teacher in Washington, DC, who was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome at a young age. As a neurodiverse author and teacher, she hopes to encourage those with TS to embrace their tics as part of who they uniquely are. In addition to Tic-Errific Me, Alicia is the author of The A-to-Z Teaching Toolkit for Early Childhood and Elementary Educators. She also writes humorous picture books, early chapter books, and is currently working on an educational resource book for teachers. When she’s not teaching or writing, she can be found singing, reading, traveling the world, and reminding others how totally tic-errific they are.