BEANSTALK TOYLAND & BOOKSTORE HOSTS AWARD WINNING AUTHOR PATRICK MCBRIARTY FOR READING AND BOOK SIGNING

Beanstalk Toyland & Bookstore, Highland Park’s only independent boutique bookstore, is excited to announce that award-winning author Patrick McBriarty will be visiting for a book signing and reading of his latest children’s book, Drawbridges Open and Close, on Saturday, June 13 from 10am to noon. A native of Illinois, McBriarty’s first book, Chicago River Bridges, reviews the untold history and evolution of the Windy City’s bridges.

“Without bridges, Chicago would not be the city that it is today,” says Pamela Hillman, owner of Beanstalk Toyland and Bookstore. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to have Patrick at our store to reflect on the history of bridges.”

This newest book explores the importance and excitement surrounding drawbridges. It is a children’s picture book that is all about big, small, steel, red, and railroad bridges from around the world. There are over 50 photographs that delight both children and adults. Bridges from 22 different countries are depicted with their geographical locations. The author has a knack for grasping the interest of both children and adults through his historical subject matter and his latest work.

Drawbridges Open and Close is unique because it encourages children to look into curriculum and careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). It has been extraordinarily successful and was recently awarded third place at the New England Book Show in the Illustrated Small and Self Publishers category. It was the only children’s book selected in the category to win an award.

Mr. McBriarty developed an enthusiasm for architecture and engineering at a young age. Recently, he collaborated with Chicago filmmaker Stephen Hatch for a documentary, Chicago Drawbridges. It depicts the importance of bridges in the construction of Chicago from the city’s first wooden footbridge to the now iconic structures crossing the Chicago River. The documentary was independently produced and first aired in 2013 on Chicago and Milwaukee public television. McBriarty just released a new book, Airplanes Take off and Land, which has been incredibly popular among young people.

ABOUT BEANSTALK TOYLAND & BOOKSTORE
Beanstalk Toyland & Bookstore is located on Highland Park’s main shopping street at 654 Central Avenue. The store offers all the latest toys, books and accessories loved by newborns through eight year olds and their parents, selected by a team of full time certified K-8 teacher ready to answer any questions! Beanstalk Toyland & Bookstore is Highland Park’s only independent boutique bookstore; let the knowledgeable staff help you find the perfect book. For more information, please call 847-432-8300, or visit their website at http://www.beanstalktoys.com and LIKE their Facebook page.