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Join P&P Live for a special event with acclaimed storytellers David Bowles and Daniel Nayeri in conversation about their new books of enchantment and traditions, Ancient Night and The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams.
Ancient Night is a twist on two indigenous Nahuatl traditions: the rabbit which the Feathered Serpent placed on the moon, and Yaushu, the Lord Opossum who ruled the earth before humans came, and who stole fire from the gods to create the sun. This poetic text – and carefully researched backmatter – are accompanied by lush illustrations to tell a riveting story. Ancient Night is being published simultaneously in English and Spanish editions.
Journey along the Silk Road with a young Monk and his newfound guardian, Samir. Larger-than-life character and so-called “Seller of Dreams”, Samir is a scammer; his biggest skill being the ability to talk his way into getting what he wants. While that talking did save the Monk’s life (newly labeled Monkey), it has left a lot of people furious with Samir— furious enough to hire assassins. In The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams, Monkey decides he will save Samir from the attempts on his life, thus repaying his debt. If he can save Samir six times, he’ll be a free man...but will they all survive that long?
David Bowles is a Mexican American author and translator from south Texas, where he teaches at the University of Texas Río Grande Valley. He has written over two dozen award-winning titles, most notably They Call Me Güero and My Two Border Towns. He co-founded the movement #DignidadLiteraria, which has negotiated greater Latinx representation in publishing. He also helped launch Chispa, the Latinx imprint of Scout Comics, for which he serves as co-publisher.
Daniel Nayeri was born in Iran and spent some years as a refugee before immigrating to Oklahoma at age eight with his family. He is the author of several books for young readers, including Everything Sad is Untrue (A True Story) and Straw House, Wood House, Brick House, Blow: Four Novellas. He lives with his family in New Jersey.
Ages 9-12
