Bridgeside hosts Vermont authors on Independent Bookstore Day
April 4, 2022 | By Waterbury Roundabout 
Katya d’Angelo is owner of Bridgeside Books in Waterbury. Courtesy photo
This Saturday, April 30, is Independent Bookstore Day and Bridgeside Books plans a daylong schedule hosting multiple Vermont authors who will visit the store for book signings and activities.
The schedule begins at 10 a.m. with children’s book author and illustrator Dan Abdo visits. In addition to signing books from his “Blue, Barry & Pancakes” series, Abdo will have a drawing activity for kids.
Waterbury author Janet Wiley has a middle-reader book titled “Menace in the Mist,” and when she visits between 11 a.m. and noon, she plans a water testing science activity for kids.
Members of the Waterbury Historical Society will be on hand from 10 a.m. to noon with copies of their recently published book, “New Century in Waterbury, Vermont, Stories of Resilience, Growth & Community.”
Store owner Katya d’Angelo said authors of children’s books are early in the schedule. The afternoon features authors of adult fiction spanning history, mystery and thriller titles. Other special activities for the day include games, prizes and give-aways.
The full schedule is online at bridgesidebooks.com under Events. The list of authors and times is below.
Photos courtesy Bridgeside Books.
Dan Abdo
10-11a.m. Dan Abdo is half the dynamic author-illustrator duo behind the humorous “Blue, Barry & Pancakes” illustrated children’s series he creates with writing-artist partner Jason Patterson. Signing and drawing activity for kids.
Sarah Dillard
10-11 a.m. Author and illustrator Sarah Dillard has created the “Mouse Scouts” series, the graphic reader, “Extraordinary Warren,” and its sequel, “Extraordinary Warren Saves the Day.” Her picture books include the “Blueberry Cake,” published in 2021. Signing.
10-12 p.m. Waterbury Historical Society members will visit with copies of the new book compiled with contributions from numerous community members and titled “New Century in Waterbury, Vermont, Stories of Resilience, Growth & Community.”
Aaron Starmer
11-12 p.m. Author of middle grade and young adult novels Aaron Starmer, who lives in Waterbury, is known for his popular “Locker 37” series illustrated by Courtney La Forest. His next title, “A Million Views,” will be out in October. Signing.
Dana Lorentz
11-12 p.m. Both an attorney and a writer of fiction, Dayna Lorentz, is known to middle grade readers as the author of the novels “Wayward Creatures” and “Of a Feather” along with the “No Safety in Numbers” trilogy and the “Dogs of the Drowned City” series. Signing.
Janet Wylie
11-12 p.m. A retired professor of developmental biology, Janet Wylie writes fiction for middle school readers. Her latest, “Menace in the Mist,” was published in February. Signing and science activity.
Jennifer McMahon
1-2 p.m. Montpelier novelist Jennifer McMahon is a master of suspense with a new title just released this week, “The Children on the Hill.” The New York Times named her 2021 novel, “The Drowning Kind,” best thriller of the year. Signing.
Maria Hummel
1-2 p.m. Novelist, poet, essayist, and recipient of a Wallace Stegner Fellowship, Maria Hummel is author of the 2018 mystery “Still Lives,” featured by Reese’s Book Club, and its companion title, “Lesson in Red,” published in 2021. Signing.