In the back alcove of the Midtown Scholar, rows of chairs line the center of the room, filled with children and their parents. The founder and host of the program introduces himself to the eager audience before him.
“I’m Mike Srgignoli, and this is The Children’s Book Blast.”
Author Cynthia A. Sudor sits beside him in her flashy red boots and studded jean jacket. She’s here to introduce her latest book “Adventures at Green Apple Acres,” which features her star character Shiloh the barn mouse and his cast of animal friends.
With hands raised to ask questions, the children express their fascination with the story behind the book, learning that the moral of the tale reveals how we shouldn’t judge each other. Amid audible chatter between parents and children, one can’t help but feel the enthusiasm in the room.
Children’s author Wendy Latty joins the conversation halfway in, discussing her new book, “Colors in the Garden.” She reads aloud a portion, demonstrating the cadence of the wording she used. The audience is enthralled with her use of color in the story, and she explains how artists can’t replicate the colors we find in nature. Parents are eager to find out where these books are sold and how they can find similar books from other local authors.
The Children’s Book Blast began on a summer day in June 2012 and has been captivating the hearts and minds of children and parents ever since.
“I’m a huge believer in the value of reading to your children,” says Srgignoli, founder of the Book Blast.
From someone who started out driving around selling Yellow Pages books, Mike has certainly expanded his horizons. Always marketing-minded, he started this monthly event because he wanted to create a venue where writers could connect.
“All writers want to gain an audience,” Mike says. “Why beat our heads against a wall individually? Let’s do it together.”
With a passion for people and a large amount of networking, Mike quickly gained exposure for the new series.
“It’s neat that Harrisburg is behind stuff like this,” Mike says. “There are a lot of talented people here.”
Each event features two local children’s authors, who share their work with parents and children by providing background and explanations of their work.
Some read a portion of the book aloud as wide-eyed children listen in awe. The authors are eager to share their thoughts and insights with the audience, captivating the listeners with their emotion and excitement. Children are encouraged to participate and ask questions—and do so with delight.
The program showcases writers within the community who have made a worldwide contribution to writing and children. By featuring local authors, the Book Blast provides youth in Harrisburg with positive role models, encourages reading and inspires them to write.
“I am constantly looking for fun and inviting activities for my children,” says Todd Burnham, father of five. “The Book Blast is an innovative modern program for the area. My children enjoy the contemporary aspect of the program, the Skype interaction with an author who is at a different location. The Book Blast definitely was an activity that my kids are still talking about months after.”
In addition, it offers camaraderie and support for local children’s authors.
“It gives people more depth,” author Wendy Latty says. “Any time you can talk about your books, what’s behind the scenes, reasons why you did what you did, it helps.”
These writers aren’t simply introducing kids to new things; they are also inspiring them through their words and illustrations.
“There’s something about the touch of paper that people love,” Mike says. “Illustrations are better on paper than on an iPad or Kindle.”
Another benefit of the Book Blast is that it directly connects the author with the reader.
“It’s like meeting a local celebrity,” Burnham says. “My daughters now have a prized collection of books signed by the authors. More people should come to this program to meet local authors and to learn something new themselves. The children often leave the program with new books, new ideas and new friends.”
Mike runs the Book Blast on a volunteer basis, so his drive is propelled solely by his love for writing and people.
“I don’t get paid for this, but it’s really a quid pro quo,” he explains. “Everyone’s in it for the same reason. That’s why it works so well.”
His plan for the future?
“I want to keep doing what we’re doing.” he says. “Harrisburg is our hub, but I do plan to take it to various other venues across the state.”
In fact, the Book Blast recently was in Doylestown at the Doylestown Bookshop.
Mike has succeeded in creating a small community of writers and readers who truly want to engage in the literary culture.
“I’m not an introvert. I’ll talk to anyone about anything,” he adds.
The Book Blast is the perfect opportunity for Mike to utilize his love for children, books and writing. In the process, he introduces kids to local authors, shows them the writing process and encourages parents to read to their children.
Throughout the entire process of making this series happen, Mike doesn’t seem to have forgotten what most of us learned as children—that things get done when you work together.
Keep up to date by visiting the group’s Facebook page: Children’s Book Blast.
