Plaid Elephant Books will be hosting three free author events during the month of August, with guest authors traveling from Kentucky, Tennessee, and Nova Scotia (Canada) to share their work with Danville readers.

On Saturday, Aug. 20 from 11am to 12:30 p.m., George Ella Lyon will visit the downtown bookstore to meet readers and sign copies of her new picture book “Time to Fly.” She has written across many genres including picture books, poetry, juvenile novels, and articles, but George Ella describes herself as a poet first of all, saying “my job is to see and sing the connection between things.” George Ella served as Kentucky’s Poet Laureate from 2015-2016.

Her beautiful gift for words is on full display in “Time to Fly,” illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman. In this new picture book, a young bird struggles to find the confidence to leave the nest. With the support and cuddles of a loving Mama Bird, Baby Bird manages to soar. Fear of the unknown is a theme a lot of kids will relate to, whether it be their first day of school or simply trying something new.

On Saturday, Aug. 27, Christian author Matthew Paul Turner will visit Danville for two events. First is a book signing at Plaid Elephant Books from 1p.m. to 3p.m., followed by a ‘Pursuit’ community event hosted by CentreWorks from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

With his unmatched gift for rhyme blended with deliberate messages of hope and empowerment, Matthew Paul Turner has made his mark as force in the Christian children’s book publishing world.

Matthew’s book When God Made You was an Evangelical Christian Publishing Association (ECPA) bestseller, described as “‘Oh, the Places You’ll Go’ meets the Divine” by recording artist, Amy Grant.

Other popular children’s books by Matthew include When I Pray for You, which made the USA TODAY, Publishers Weekly, and Wall Street Journal bestseller charts, as well as his 2021 release, What Is God Like?, a collaboration with his late, beloved friend, Rachel Held Evans, which became a #1 New York Times bestselling title.

His newest release, which came out in April, is I Am God’s Dream. This new picture books is a beautiful celebration of the unique, strong traits that every child has—and how God adores and delights in all of our strengths and quirks.

Following the book-signing event, Matthew will participate in a panel discussion at CentreWorks (located on the 3rd floor of the Hub building) at 4 p.m., joined by Johann van Niekerk and Rev. Joey Pusateri. The title of the panel is “What If This Changes Everything? A conversation on faith, community, and finding your voice.”

On Wednesday, Aug. 31, author Angela Reynolds will visit Plaid Elephant Books to sign and discuss her new novel “Threshold.” Angela is a former Danville resident and graduate of Centre College who now lives in Nova Scotia. Geared for readers ages 8-12, “Threshold”; takes us to a coastal town, where there are crises on dry land and the seals in the water are much more than they seem. You’ll be swept away by the tale of 12-year-old Terra whose summer takes a magical turn when she befriends a mermaid called Minne, who takes her under the sea and introduces her to the Murgelt people. There’s mystery, friendship, and – of course! – mermaids!

Plaid Elephant Books owner Kate Snyder says that author events like these are one of the great benefits that independent bookstores bring to their communities. “Brick and mortar bookstores are all about fostering connections,” she explains. “You simply don’t get that same personalized experience when you shop online.”

Plaid Elephant Books is Central Kentucky’s only independent children’s bookstore. It is located at 116 N. 3rd St. in Danville. All four events are free to the public. Details can be found online at www.plaidelephantbooks.com/events

Event Summary:

• Saturday, Aug. 20: George Ella Lyon, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

• Saturday, Aug. 27: Matthew Paul Turner, 1 p.m.-3 p.m. – book-signing at Plaid Elephant, 4 p.m.-5 p.m. – panel discussion at CentreWorks

• Wednesday, Aug. 31: Angela Reynolds, 4 p.m.-5 p.m.