With a line out the door, Longfellow Books in Portland welcomed countless families waiting patiently to meet the voice of If I Built a Town, the newest book by Chris Van Dusen. 

The wonder and whimsy of the event could be felt around every shelf as children zoomed up and down aisles, laughing and playing, or as they sat between their parents’ legs being read the sought-after release, waiting for their opportunity to meet with the author. Van Dusen sat in the back room of the bookstore, where the children’s books are located, gleefully meeting and chatting with each family that stood with a book to be signed.

Selling out before the second hour of the event, many families ordered signed copies at the counter. The empty display of the new book and his old publications proved the event successful. 

At the end of the weaving line of people sat Van Dusen and the owner of Longfellow Books, Ari Gerson, who gave warm welcomes and thank yous for attending the event. Van Dusen asked children their names to personalize their signed copies and shared fun anecdotes about how Hudson, the dog from the story, was named after a friend’s Burmese Mountain Dog. 

The next children’s event held at Longfellow Books will be on October 26^th, as they host A.J. Smith, author and illustrator of Catnip Mouse. 

Not looking for a children-centered event? Join the crowd back at Longfellow Books on October 15^th, as the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance (MWPA), Gretchen Legler and other Chapbook winners, celebrate Mike Bendzela for winning the 2024 Maine Chapbook Series in nonfiction with Notes from Above Ground.