Wild Rumpus Books is thrilled to welcome back Ty Chapman to celebrate the release of Chapman's sophomore picture book, LOOKING FOR HAPPY! Chapman will be joined in conversation by fellow Minnesota author Molly Beth Griffin. We love getting multiple local creators in the same room, and are excited to invite you into this discussion & celebration.
Every day is different. Some days everything goes right--you're in the groove and feeling like yourself. But some days, it's a lot harder to find happy because everything is just blah. Sometimes everything that should be fun just feels . . . flat. LOOKING FOR HAPPY gently reminds readers that it's normal to have happy and sad days and normalizes speaking about emotions and seeking help. Heartfelt and hopeful, the story models emotional intelligence and self-awareness for readers of all ages.
To Attend:
This event is free and open to the public. Seating will be available on a first-come first-served basis. Masks are encouraged.
Signing Guidelines:
Following the event, Ty Chapman and Molly Beth Griffin will be available to sign copies of their books. If you are unable to attend but would still like a signed copy, you may order a copy from this page and we will ship after the event, or hold it behind the counter for local pickup. Please note in your order any personalization requests and we will do our best to accommodate. Orders must be placed by 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 30 to guarantee signed copies.
Ty Chapman is a Twin Cities-based author, poet, puppeteer, and playwright of Nigerian and European descent. He is passionate about art that speaks to the Black experience in America. His recent accomplishments include being named a Loft Literary Center Mirrors and Windows fellow and publishing poetry through multiple journals. He has authored two picture books, Sarah Rising and Looking For Happy.
Molly Beth Griffin is the author of several picture books including Ten Beautiful Things, The Big Leaf Leap, and Rhoda's Rock Hunt, as well as the YA novel Silhouette of a Sparrow, and the School Sidekicks series of beginning readers. She is a graduate of Hamline University's MFA program in Writing for Children and Young Adults and a teaching artist at The Loft Literary Center. She critiques manuscripts, mentors emerging writers through the Mirrors & Windows Fellowship, and hosts a monthly Picture Book Salon. Molly lives in South Minneapolis with her partner and their two kids, where she enjoys hiking, taking pictures of birds, eating pastries, and waiting for the mail.
Every day is different. Some days everything goes right--you're in the groove and feeling like yourself.
A heartfelt story of changing perspectives, set in the Midwest. Ten Beautiful Things gently explores loss, a new home, and finding beauty wherever you are.
The leaves are down. The rakes are out. But one girl can't do it alone. Neighborhood kids join forces to build a big, huge, enormously enormous mountain of leaves. Ready, set . . . leap