Talking books and drawing robots with author Peter Brown

Proving we're never too old for picture books, more than 225 Arlington Heights adults and children turned out to to hear New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Peter Brown at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library on Wednesday, April 12. During his 90-minute appearance, Brown entertained his audience talking about how he grew from being a creative, little guy into a big guy who makes picture books for a living. He shared books he made as a child and offered a glimpse into his world as the creator of "The Curious Garden," "Children Make Terrible Pets," "Mr. Tiger Goes Wild" and "The Wild Robot." He also demonstrated his signature drawing that earned him a Caldecott Honor in 2013 as the illustrator of "Creepy Carrots!"

In addition to his library appearance, the Brooklyn-based author traveled to eleven area elementary schools where he held writing and drawing workshops over the course of four days, April 10-13. During this Friends of the Library-sponsored tour, more than 3,450 Arlington Heights students had the opportunity to meet the award-winning author at their schools including those in Districts 25, 21 and 59 and at two private schools.