Caldecott Honoree author/illustrator Brian Lies will read from his beloved classic Bats at the Beach, explain how his animal characters illustrate community diversity and inclusion, and how the South Shore – Duxbury Beach, the DFL, Marshfield Fairgrounds – inspired several of his bestselling children's books.

"To me, these creatures are our best selves," Lies said of his animal characters. "Despite obvious differences, they all live together in peace, in communities that echo ours, but are oddly their own."

Brian Lies is the author/illustrator of more than 30 children’s books, such as his NY Times best-selling bat series (Bats at the Beach, Bats at the Library, etc.), and his 2019 Caldecott Honor-winning The Rough Patch.  His work in book and editorial illustration has earned many distinctions, including two Crystal Kite Awards from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.  He is an acclaimed visiting author, working with elementary schools throughout the United States.  In 2023, Brian was the featured artist at the Abilene (TX) Children’s Art and Literature Festival (www.abileneCALF.org).

A graduate of Brown University, Brian lives with his family and two cats in Duxbury, Massachusetts, where he works, tends a large vegetable garden, and enjoys reading, cooking, and woodworking.

www.brianlies.com