Authors Patricia MacLachlan and Gregory Maguire to Speak April 27

A Conversation Between Two Writers: Patricia MacLachlan and Gregory Maguire

Renowned authors Patricia MacLachlan and Gregory Maguire will lead a discussion about books, writing, and children's literacy on Wednesday, April 27th.  A question and answer period will follow, along with a reception for the public.  

The event will take place from 6:00 to 9:00 at the Thoreau School, 29 Prairie Street, Concord, MA. Tickets are $18 ahead of time, $20 at the door, and $10 for university students with an ID; children are free of charge.  All proceeds will benefit the Evergreen Garden Playschool, a Waldorf inspired preschool and kindergarten in Devens, MA.  For more information and tickets, please call 978-772-9595 or email sarah@egplayschool.org.

Patricia MacLachan is the celebrated author of many award-winning books for young readers.  Books include the Newbery Award winning SARAH, PLAIN AND TALL, BABY, JOURNEY, WHAT YOU KNOW FIRST, ALL THE PLACES TO LOVE, the newly published WORD AFTER WORD AFTER WORD, and others.  She also wrote five screenplays, the Emmy nominated Hallmark Hall of Fame SARAH, PLAIN AND TALL series, starring Glenn Close and Christopher Walken, BABY, and JOURNEY. She has taught Children's Literature at Smith College, as well as teaching other writing workshops.  In 2002 she won the National Endowment for Humanities Medal for her body of work.  She is a board member of the National Children's Book and Literacy Alliance, devoted to children's literacy issues. She lives in Williamsburg, Massachusetts.

Gregory Maguire is the author of many novels for children and adults.  His best known book WICKED, inspired the musical of the same name, now in its seventh year on Broadway and playing in six venues internationally.  An ABC mini series produced by Selma Hayak, is in development as well as a major motion picture of the Broadway show.  

Among his children's books are the New York Times bestseller WHAT-THE-DICKENS: THE STORY OF A ROGUE TOOTH FAIRY and LEAPING BEAUTY AND OTHER ANIMAL FAIRY TALES.  Maguire was featured in a New York Times Magazine profile and has appeared on Oprah as well as performing original work on NPR'S "ALL THINGS CONSIDERED" and "SELECTED SHORTS."  A founding codirector of Children's New England, Inc. for twenty-five years, Maguire has lectured on children, literature, and culture across the United States and abroad.  Most recently he brought out MATCHLESS, illustrated by himself, which retells and expands Hans Christian Andersen's story, "The Little Match Girl," and MAKING MISCHIEF:A MAURICE SENDAK APPRECIATION.  Maguire is a member of the honorary board of the National Children's Book and Literacy Alliance. He lives in Concord.