Syosset Author Brings Children's Book to Life

Syosset author Bonnie Grubman and illustrator Cornelius Van Wright taught children what goes into making a book from start to finish at a recent event at the Huntington Public Library, sponsored by Book Revue and Friends of the Huntington Public Library. Grubman and Van Wright also read their book, How Do You Get a Mouse to Smile? and signed copies for audience members.

A preschool teacher at the Woodbury Jewish Center, Grubman used pictures to illustrate the journey of her first published book, from conceiving the plot 17 years ago to its publication last year by Starbright Books.

Starbright paired Grubman's story with art done by Van Wright, a Manhattan-based illustrator who had previously done illustrations for historical books. He said he was excited to do the pictures for Grubman's story about three children who go through silly and absurd situations to get a mouse to smile. "I wanted to do something a little more fun," Van Wright said.

Van Wright showed the audience his original thumbnail sketches and compared illustrating a book to creating a movie. After his presentation, the audience was invited to ask questions. The questions, asked by parents and children, ranged from wondering how long it took Van Wright to do the watercolor illustrations, to advice for prospective writers who want to get published.

For those future authors in the audience at the July 21 event, Grubman advised the children to always listen to their teachers and read, of course. "Read, read, read," she said. "What makes a great writer is a great reader."

Kristine Casper, the library's head of Youth and Parent Services, said Friends of the Library wanted to do an event featuring a local author and that they hope similar programs will follow in the future. "It's something we really want to do more of and try and get the word out," Casper said. "There are a lot of talented authors and illustrators on Long Island and in the New York area."

Prior to the event, copies of the book were sold, with proceeds going to the Huntington Public Library. Children also received a bookmark and book plate to go with their new book, autographed by Grubman and Van Wright.

"This event was especially significant for the children," Casper said. "It allows them to see that there are people behind these books, and it's great for kids to get to see them and to see that there's somebody and ideas and people behind them."