Author spotlights world of nature in Brooklyn for young readers
Brooklyn BookBeat
Author Nina Crews. Photo by Matthew Septimus
City College Center for the Arts (CCCA) invites families and readers of all ages to visit Aaron Davis Hall for a book party celebrating the launch of author and illustrator Nina Crews’ new book “Seeing into Tomorrow: Haiku by Richard Wright” on Saturday, March 24 at 2 p.m.
Crews, who lives in Brooklyn with her husband and son, is bringing the beauty found throughout the borough to the forefront. Crews’ new book merges her photographic collages with 12 haiku by Richard Wright, offering young readers an introduction to the poetry of the iconic American writer known for such books as “Native Son” and “Black Boy.”
Crews’ collages depict contemporary African-American boys interacting with nature, with most of the scenic pictures taken in and around her Brooklyn neighborhood. From writing in snow to playing with shadows to walking the dog though a park, Crews highlights the natural beauty of the city and offers readers a new way to discover Wright’s work.
Crews has received praise for her books and photographs to bring her stories to life for young readers. Her previous books include “One Hot Summer Day,” “The Neighborhood Mother Goose” and “Below.”
The “Seeing into Tomorrow” book party will include a reading by Crews at 3 p.m., along with dance classes, a storytelling and reading corner, haiku writing, collage making and a photo area where readers can become part of the story by having their pictures taken against one of the natural backdrops featured in the book. Refreshments will be served. Crews will also autograph copies of books purchased during the book signing beginning at 3:30 p.m.
“I hope that ‘Seeing into Tomorrow’ will offer a new perspective on Richard Wright to adult fans and be an entertaining way to introduce this important writer to children. I’m so delighted to have my book launch party at Aaron Davis Hall at City College,” Crews said. “I have been attending events here since high school, and I think that Richard Wright would have approved of this venue. “
“We are so pleased to host the book party for ‘Seeing into Tomorrow’ by Nina Crews. This book is a masterpiece, with stunning photo collages by Nina and brilliant haiku poetry by Richard Wright. It’s not just a children’s book. It can be enjoyed by the entire family,” said CCCA Managing Director Gregory Shanck.
CCCA hosts an ambitious, year-round calendar of student and professional performances. The mission of the City College Center for the Arts is to provide a creative arts center and focal point for the City College of New York, building a sense of community within the college, elevating the profile of Aaron Davis Hall in the greater New York area and connecting the college to the surrounding community through the arts.
For more details, visit www.citycollegecenterforthearts.org or call the Aaron Davis Hall box office at (212) 650-6900.
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