Friendly City Books and the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library System (CLPLS) have partnered to bring children’s book author and Starkville native, Andy Harkness to read his latest release on August 22 at 5 p.m. at the Columbus library branch.
In his latest children’s book, “Wolfboy Is Scared” (2023), Harkness continues the story of his titular character from “Wolfboy” (2021) in a style that includes clay animation, virtual reality, photography, digital editing and more. “Wolfboy Is Scared” follows Wolfboy as he travels through the scary Grumble Monster’s lair and finds that his assumptions aren’t what they seem.
Harkness will read his children’s book while visiting the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library, courtesy of Friendly City Books, and participants will have a chance to work with their own Play Doh creations. Library programs are free and open to the public, and this program is ideal for children ages 3-to-6-years-old and their families.
“We are thrilled to welcome Andy back home to the Golden Triangle to celebrate his new children’s book,” said Emily Liner, Friendly City Books owner. “He has worked on so many movies that kids have loved, so it’s a really special treat for families to get a chance to see him in person.”
Harkness’s career began after graduating the Columbus College of Art and Design in Ohio, when he was hired by Disney Feature Animation and began work on films such as “Pocahontas,” “Mulan,” “Brother Bear,” and more. He has also contributed to movies such as “Open Season” with Sony Pictures Animation.
Throughout his animation career, Harkness received several awards for his innovative style, including an Emmy for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation for his work with the film “Prep and Landing.” Harkness published his first children’s book, “Bug Zoo,” in 2016 that features a glimpse at the clay illustration style that he expands on in “Wolfboy” and “Wolfboy Is Scared.”
“We’re really excited to partner with Friendly City Books to help host Andy Harkness and his reading here at the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library,” said Tori Hopper, Children’s Librarian for CLPLS. “The Wolfboy books are starkly illustrated and offer a lot of ways to engage readers, and the emotional skill development seen by Wolfboy in ‘Wolfboy Is Scared’ is a perfect example for children in our community to see.”
To learn more about Andy Harkness and his books, visit andyharknessart.com. Friendly City Books will be selling Harkness’s book and the store’s online offerings can be found at bookshop.org/shop/friendlycitybooks.
More information about the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library System can be found online at the library’s website at lowndeslibrary.com or by visiting CLPLS on social media. The library’s Facebook and Instagram pages are regularly updated. For more information, those interested can contact the library at (662) 329-5300.
Editor’s Note: Andy Harkness will also be visiting the Starkville Public Library for another Book Talk and Meet and Greet Event, in partnership with the Book Mart and Cafe, on Aug. 21 at 6 p.m.
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 45 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
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