Dedham Author Premieres Children's Book On Zoom Sunday

DEDHAM, MA - New York Times best-selling author/illustrator Peter H. Reynolds is celebrating his latest “picture book for all ages” entitled "Love You By Heart," which the owner of the Blue Bunny bookstore, calls "a poetic, playfully-illustrated ode to the unconditional love we have for the children and grandchildren in our lives."

Reynolds will be sharing the new book on a live Zoom event Sunday, Jan. 9 at 4:30 p.m. The event, hosted by the Blue Bunny bookshop, is free and open to the public, but does require an RSVP through the event registration page to ensure secure and safe moderation.

Reynolds dedicated the new book to his grandchild, Thomas, who was yet to be born at the time the book went to press.

“To B.B. Hobbs, my first grandchild! I loved you by heart even before I met you," he said.

He noted, “Thomas wasn’t born yet - or named - but I was already smitten by 'Baby Boy Hobbs,' and I was thrilled to be able to gift him this little book to let him know in the years to come how much his Grandude loves him.”

The book’s publisher, Scholastic Orchard Books, expects that "Love You By Heart" will be extremely popular as a gift for Valentine's Day, as well as for grandparents, new and expectant parents, baby showers, birthdays, Mother’s/Father’s Days, and graduations, according to a statement.

Joining Reynolds during the virtual event will be best-selling author Susan Verde, who collaborated with him on another picture book that celebrates the power of love called "I Am Love," which Reynolds illustrated. Verde and Reynolds now count nine storybooks to their names, which they have written and illustrated together.

Reynolds is the author/illustrator of many bestselling and award-winning picture books, including "The Word Collector," "Happy Dreamer," "Be You," "The Dot," "Going Places," and "The North Star," as well as illustrator of the Judy Moody & Stink series. He lives in Dedham, where he has owned and operated the award-winning Blue Bunny bookshop and espresso bar for the past 18 years.

Joining the LOVE Fest event will be New York Times bestselling author/illustrator Todd Parr, who will share LOVE THE WORLD, which is another equally irresistible book about showing love for all the people, places, and things. Parr has become a favorite guest at the Blue Bunny over the years sharing his bold, colorful images and positive messages with children of all ages.

The book is now available at all major online and brick-and-mortar retailers. First edition, signed copies of "Love You By Heart" are now available at the Blue Bunny bookshop at 577 High Street in Dedham Square, and also available through the shop’s online store: thedotcentral.com. For the book’s launch Reynolds is offering a free, signed art print - or “heart print” as he calls it - with purchase.

For more information about Reynolds, go to his website.