Author Event: Katherine Applegate (The Littlest Elephant)

We are delighted to welcome families and educators for a very special in-store event with Newbery Medalist Katherine Applegate upon the release of her gorgeous new picture book, THE LITTLEST ELEPHANT: A ONE AND ONLY RUBY STORY, illustrated by Lita Judge. The book introduces young readers to Ruby, the beloved baby elephant in the award-winning “One and Only” middle-grade series, deeply beloved by young and old alike.

Join us as Katherine talks about the origins of this book and the greater series, including her research around animal conservation and her writing process, before reading the picture book in full. Following her presentation, she will hold a Q&A with the audience.

At 5:30pm, the formal event will conclude, followed by a signing and photo line with Katherine. The entire “One and Only” series, along with other favorites by Katherine, will be available for purchase. Attendees are also welcome to bring copies from home to be signed.

While the picture book is geared towards K-3 children, older children who have grown up with Katherine's series are also encouraged to attend, as are educators! Please note that parents of children under 12 must remain on the premises and will need a ticket to attend the event.

Each ticket to this event includes a hardcover copy of either THE LITTLEST ELEPHANT (ages 4-8) or a paperback copy of the corresponding chapter book, THE ONE AND ONLY RUBY (ages 8-12). Additional ticket options including companions and additional copies are also available.

About the Author:

Katherine Applegate, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of beloved and award-winning books for young readers, including Odder, Home of the Brave, Crenshaw, Wishtree, Willodeen, The One and Only Ivan, for which she won the Newbery Medal, The One and Only Bob, The Only and Only Ruby, and The One and Only Family. She is also the author of the Animorphs series, and a beginning reader series, Doggo and Pupper, illustrated by Charlie Alder. She lives in Nevada.

About the Book:

Ruby is the littlest elephant in the herd at the animal sanctuary, where she lives near her best friends Ivan the silverback gorilla and Bob the lovable mutt. Ruby loves all the things that make being an elephant fun, like splashing in muddy puddles and spraying water through her trunk. But there are parts of being an elephant that she doesn’t love so much, like her new tusks.

The herd is preparing for Ruby’s Tuskday, a day to celebrate the fact that Ruby is growing up, and for remembering. Ruby has lots of happy memories, but she also has lots of sad ones, ones that are hard to think about. Surrounded by the love of her herd and her friends, the littlest elephant will see that growing up doesn’t have to be scary, and that remembering the darkness can help us appreciate the light.

This beautiful and poignant story shows readers the importance of honoring the past, cherishing the present, and facing the future without fear.