We are excited to host Georgia children's book authors Carmen and Lauren Agra Deedy for the 2025 Summer Reading Kickoff. This event is free and open to the public but registration is requested.

Both Carmen and Lauren will be reading from and signing copies of their books: 

New Shoes for Leo by Lauren Agra Deedy, illustrated by Susan Gal

The Peanut Man, illustrated by Raul Colon and The Library Dragon (30th Anniversary Edition) by Carmen Agra Deedy, illustrated by Michael P. White

This program sponsored by Georgia Public Library Service and made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Little Shop of Stories will be on hand for those who wish to purchase copies of the books.

About the Authors:

Lauren Agra Deedy graduated from Emory University before receiving her MPhil in Literatures of the Americas from Trinity College in Dublin. Like William in the story, Lauren is the child and grandchild of refugees, and grew up helping them make care packages for family still living in communist Cuba. New Shoes for Leo is her picture book debut. Lauren lives with her husband and family in Atlanta, Georgia.

Carmen Agra Deedy, is an award-winning author of fifteen books and the host of the four-time Emmy-winning children’s program, Love That Book! Deedy is also an accomplished lecturer, having been a guest speaker for the Library of Congress, Columbia University, TED and TEDx Conference. An editor, life-long advocate for libraries, she has serves on the Advisory Board of the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives.