Nebraska Children's Author to Appear at Grand Island Public Library

Grand Island, Neb. — Kids, teens and adults will have a chance to meet Nebraska children’s book author and illustrator Bruce Arant at the Grand Island Public Library on Monday, June 24 during three different programs targeted at each respective age group.

At 10:30 a.m., Bruce will be the featured guest at the weekly Mega Monday program for kids of all ages and their families. In this fun interactive presentation, Arant will talk to kids about how to use their imaginations to create stories.

At 2 p.m., in a program just for teens, Bruce will appear as one of three featured “Adventurous People” along with local beekeeper Kathy Brokaw and Nebraska’s own “Bigfoot Lady” Harriett McFeely. Teens ages 12-18 will have the opportunity to hear about these presenters’ adventurous careers and hobbies and ask questions.

Finally, at 6 p.m., Bruce will present to adults about his career in the children’s book industry, sharing his journey from concept to publication. All three programs will take place at the Grand Island Public Library. They are free and open to the public, and no registration is required.

Arant is self-taught in a variety of mediums that include chalk pastel, oil pastel, graphite, ink, colored pencil and watercolor. He’s also a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Throughout his career, he has illustrated several custom-published picture books, written by other authors. Bruce has also authored and illustrated two of his own picture books that were traditionally published: “Simpson’s Sheep Won’t Go to Sleep!” (Peter Pauper Press, 2013) and “Simpson’s Sheep Just Want to Sleep!” (Peter Pauper Press, 2017). Both books have garnered several awards and nominations.

To date, Bruce has presented to approximately 60,000 students and library patrons. Prior to launching Arant Creative Group as a full-time illustrator, author and editor, he enjoyed a career of nearly 20 years in the magazine and custom publishing industry, where he held a variety of editorial and creative positions.

For more information on the library’s summer programs, visit the library’s website or call Laura Fentress, Youth & Family Services Librarian at (308) 385-5333. You can also learn more about Bruce Arant here.