Center Harbor children's book author and illustrator to be at Innisfree Bookshop on Saturday

Local children’s author and illustrator Karel Hayes of Center Harbor will at the Innisfree Bookshop on Saturday, August 1 for an excellent afternoon of fun. She will be at the shop from 2-4 p.m. and from noon to 4 Innisfree will also be hosting a hot dog stand with drinks.

Hayes is a writer and illustrator whose book, "The Winter Visitors", won the 2008 Time of Wonder Award from the Maine Discovery Museum, and Independent Publisher Bronze Medal, and Honorable Mention in the Maine Literary Awards. Here at Innisfree we like to say that "The Winter Visitors" are based on Winnipesaukee because that book feels like “home.” She also illustrated the books, "Who’s Been Here:A Tale in Tracks" and "Time for the Fair" as well as numerous other children’s books.

All of Hayes's books include beautiful thoughtful illustrations that speak for themselves. Her newest title, "The Amazing Journey of Lucky the Lobster Buoy" came from an actual event. Several years ago, while sailing in Maine, she read a small article in the newspaper about a lobster buoy that was lost and washed ashore in England and that was the beginning of “Lucky.” Her drawings and paintings have appeared in exhibitions nationally and in several magazines.

She lives with her husband in Center Harbor.

The food booth will be run by the Pemi-Valley 4-H River Riders. They are based in Campton and are centered at Steeldust Farm which is primarily an English riding barn. They have contributed to the Live and Let Live rescue facility based in Chichester. They can also be seen in Campton’s Old Home Day Parade on August 8th. There will be a hot dog stand with a variety of drinks for sale. The money from the event will go towards scholarships and donations to other horse-centered groups.

Any questions can be directed to 603-279-3905 or via email at InnisfreeBooks@gmail.com.