On November 16 and 17 the people of Vankleek Hill and the surrounding area will have the rare opportunity to meet local author and illustrator Andy Smart.

Hosted at Creating Centre de créativité (11 High Street), Smart will be on hand to launch a collection of wonderfully-illustrated children’s books. The event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. both days and is oriented to anyone interested in quality children’s literature – from families to aspiring authors themselves, all are welcome. It will be very kid friendly, with balloons, photo stand-ins, larger-than-life-sized characters from Smart’s books, photo opportunities, colouring pages, original art and more. Oh and lots of books for perusal and sale!

Being that this event is being held during the 2022 Christmas season, what book launch would be complete without a brand new Christmas book? The belle of this ball is Smart’s first Christmas book, Little Christmas Tweet, available in limited edition hardcover. All of Smart’s books are available on Amazon but this event offers fans the chance to pick up The Royal Bunny Service and Little One in hardcover as well. Truly a treat. Get there early as limited quantities are available.

The author and illustrator has had a lifelong connection to Vankleek Hill, with fond memories of family Christmas every winter. Smart himself has called the town home for more than five years. He loves the community and its local artists. In fact, he is very interested in making these kinds of events a regular occurrence and values feedback. So come, one and all, on November 16 and 17. Bring your family and friends, your ideas and imagination.

“I think it’s the books that you read when you’re young that live with you forever.” – J.K. Rowling