Author, Illustrator to Sign New Books

welcomes two children’s book creators from Providence for signings this weekend. 

Peter Mandel, author of the new picture book, “Jackhammer Sam,” will sign books from 2 to 3:30 pm on Saturday, Dec. 10. 

On Sunday, Dec. 11, the store will host Providence-based artist and book illustrator Cathren Housley for a signing of her new book, “The Christmas Cats,” from 12 to 1:30 pm.   

A holiday craft workshop led by special guest art instructors from Peacock & Parade will be offered in conjunction with this signing.  The workshop is free but pre-registration is strongly suggested.  Call 401-245-7925 to register.

Peter Mandel is an adventure travel journalist and the author of 10 children's books. Mandel's books have been featured in USA Today, on ABC's "The Home Show” and have been part of exhibits at the Museum of Natural History in New York, at the Smithsonian, and at the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

He lives in Providence with his wife, Kathy, and three cats.

Cathren Housley, a native of Buffalo, N.Y., moved to Providence in 1979 to attend the Rhode Island School of Design. Over the years, her eclectic career has included the roles of illustrator, product designer, sculptor, puppeteer, TV and film actress, award-winning producer, rock musician, installation artist, teacher and writer.

Cathren returned to RISD as a student in 2005 and graduated from the children's book illustration certificate program in 2007. She taught and developed family workshops for the RISD museum from 2004-2008.

Barrington Books is celebrating its 25th anniversary year.