Just in time for the holidays, Betsy Bird, Evanston Public Library’s collection manager, a children’s librarian and author who has built a multi-dimensional career based on a love of children’s literature, will read and discuss her brand-new picture book, “The Great Santa Stakeout,” at noon on Nov. 16 at the Evanston Pubic Library, 1703 Orrington Ave.
The book’s protagonist, Freddy Melcher, is Santa’s number-one fan. He has Santa posters, Santa action figures, and even Santa underwear. But there is one prize Freddy desperately wants: A photograph taken with Santa, fresh out of the chimney. Will Freddy get away with his delightfully devious scheme to outwit Santa Claus himself and capture the ultimate selfie?
Ms. Bird is the Collection Development Manager of Evanston Public Library and the former Youth Materials Specialist of the New York Public Library. She
reviews for Kirkus and the New York Times on occasion and blogs for School Library Journal at her site, A Fuse #8 Production.
Ms. Bird is also the co-author of a book for adults about children’s books (“Wild Things: Acts Of Mischief In Children’s Literature”), editor of an anthology of funny stories by women for kids (“Funny Girl”) and author of two picture books (“Giant Dance Party” and, out this year, “The Great Santa Stakeout”). Dan Santat, who illustrated this book, is an American author and illustrator known for his children’s book, “The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend,” which won the 2015 Caldecott Medal for distinguished illustration.