FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 18, 2018 CONTACT Farrell Howe Marketing and Communication Manager Kalamazoo Public Library 269-553-7879 Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm, Authors of Babymouse and Squish Coming to Kalamazoo 41st Annual Mary Calletto Rife Youth Literature Seminar Kalamazoo, MI – Thursday, October 18, 2018. Kalamazoo Public Library<http://www.kpl.gov/> will celebrate the 41st Annual Mary Calletto Rife Youth Literature Seminar<http://www.kpl.gov/yls> by welcoming New York Times bestselling authors Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm at the annual Meet the Author event<http://www.kpl.gov/youth-literature-seminar/meet-the-author.aspx> on Thursday, November 1, 6:30 - 8 pm at Central Library. Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm Jennifer and her brother Matt are the creators of two graphic novel series for children, Babymouse and Squish, which have garnered much critical-attention and favorable reviews. Jenni’s books have appeared on The New York Times bestseller list, been the recipients of numerous awards and starred reviews, and have sold a combined total of over 1.9 million copies in print, digital, and audio formats. The Holms have also collaborated on the My First Comics board books for beginning readers and the New York Times bestseller Sunny Side Up. Matthew recently released his first middle-grade novel, Marvin and the Moths, co-written with Jonathan Follett. Bookbug|this is a bookstore<http://www.bookbugkalamazoo.com/>, a local, independent bookseller will be selling books for signing. The 41st Annual Mary Calletto Rife Youth Literature Seminar will be held on Friday, November 2, 9 am - 3:30 pm at the Fetzer Center. Registration is required<http://www.kpl.gov/youth-literature-seminar/youth-literature-seminar.aspx>. According to a recent study conducted by Scholastic<http://www.scholastic.com/readingreport/what-kids-want.htm>, children across all age groups overwhelmingly agree that their favorite books—and the ones they are most likely to finish—are the ones they pick out themselves. Providing access to diverse reading materials is important, but allowing children to choose what books are right for them is equally important. Like adults, children have their own unique interests and, like adults, they should be allowed the freedom to explore those interests in the books they choose to read. This year’s Mary Calletto Rife Youth Literature Seminar is all about choice. If we allow children open access to all reading materials, they will Choose to Read! KPL is honored to welcome guest speakers Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm, the best-selling authors of the acclaimed Babymouse and Squish series. Jennifer and Matthew will speak about the importance of choice for youth and how they consider choice a priority in their writing. Other featured speakers<http://www.kpl.gov/youth-literature-seminar/speakers.aspx> include author and educator Dr. Ernest Morrell, and teacher, author and creator Colby Sharp. New this year! Kalamazoo Public Library will provide a curated book list chosen by KPL Youth Staff and the partners of the Youth Literature Seminar committee will share their favorite books of 2018. There will also be giveaways, including an opportunity for teachers to win free books for their classroom. Educators can earn SCECH (State Continuing Education Clock Hours) for attending. Books will be for sale by Bookbug|this is a bookstore<http://www.bookbugkalamazoo.com/>. For more information, visit kpl.gov/yls or call 269-553-7804. ####