Welcome to the April edition of Book Bits, your connection to the heart of the Buckeye Book Fair community! As we turn the page on another month, we invite you to join us in celebrating the stories, voices, and authors who shape our literary world. This issue features exciting updates from three talented authors: Paul Many, Eric J. Martin, and Lindsay Ward, each offering unique stories that engage and inspire young readers.
Category Archives: authors
Lindsay Ward
Some call it planting season. Some call it the return of sunshine and tulips. Some call it a fresh start. No matter how you frame it, spring is inspiring—and Lindsay Ward, author and illustrator of over thirty books for kids, brings that sense of possibility to everything she touches. Known for her whimsical characters, vivid scenes, and heartfelt storytelling, Ward continues to engage young readers with books that entertain, encourage, and enlighten.
Creativity Meets Creature: Eric J. Martin
Author Eric J. Martin Shares the Inspiration Behind A Lyon’s Pen, the Latest Book in the Zed and the ZooLs Series
In a recent interview, Eric J. Martin, the creative force behind the Zed and the ZooLs children’s books, opened up about the inspiration behind his second installment, A Lyon’s Pen. Drawing on vivid memories of childhood mischief and curiosity, Martin offered a glimpse into the heart of his new book—a tale that continues to delight young readers while expanding on the imaginative world he’s built.
Paul Many Helps Us Breath Easy
As Earth Day approaches, books like My Breathing Earth remind us that storytelling has the power to inspire change—especially in the hands of young readers ready to shape a brighter, greener future. Paul Many has been publishing award-winning children and young adult books for the last 20 years. His latest, My Breathing Earth, is a picture bookContinue reading “Paul Many Helps Us Breath Easy”
📚 March Book Bits: Newsletter!
As March unfolds, we’re diving into the power of storytelling with a spotlight on two incredible authors and the launch of our Annual Campaign—an opportunity to champion literacy and support the Buckeye Book Fair’s mission.
Honoring Women in Literature: Keila V. Dawson’s Inspiring Contributions
Dawson’s book, Yumbo Gumbo, is a heartwarming blend of family, culture, and education. Inspired by cherished moments in her New Orleans kitchen, the book weaves a delicious tale of tradition, mathematical reasoning, and social-emotional learning. Watching her mother pass down the family’s seafood filé gumbo recipe to her son moved Dawson to preserve this beautiful family tradition in the pages of a book, ensuring that stories of resilience and heritage continue to be shared.
Robert Allen Stowe
Crime writer Robert Allen Stowe sets his second book, Fires of Rubicon, in Cleveland, Ohio during the 1970s. He draws inspiration from the many challenges and changes of that time in history along with his personal experience working in the steel mills during summer breaks from college.
📚 February Book Bits: Newsletter!
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the February edition of Book Bits, your monthly dose of literary news and exciting reads from the Buckeye Book Fair!
This month, we’re thrilled to announce the return of summer event: Buckeye Book Camp! Young writers entering 3rd through 8th grade can look forward to a summer filled with creativity, storytelling, and inspiration. Registration is now open—don’t miss out on this unforgettable writing adventure!
In honor of Black History Month, we’re spotlighting J.P. Mitchell’s Sweet Fire—a powerful and poetic celebration of confidence, identity, and self-love. Inspired by her own daughter, Mitchell’s book challenges the notion that girls must choose between being sweet or strong. It’s an empowering read for every young person learning to embrace their voice and passion.
Anastasia Hastings
Anastasia Hastings is a penname for Connie Laux who has, over a thirty-year career, published sixty-five novels in several different genres and under several names. She began her career writing historical romance, and has also written contemporary romance, YA, and a children’s book. A full-time writer, she writes every day – all day.
“My only trick is when I sit down to write, I set a clock for 45-minutes and in that time all I do is write. At the end, I get 15 minutes to do whatever I want,” Hasting said.
David Meyers & Elise Meyers Walker
Both prolific writers, David and Elisa are always working on a half dozen titles at any given time. They write and research every day. While looking for one thing, they may happen on something else. “It is not unusual for a plan to change. I don’t know what I think about a particular topic until I write a book about it,” David Meyers said. “Sometimes we discover the real story is a mystery to be solved.”