Singer Judy Collins bringing new book to Naperville

Grammy Award-winning singer Judy Collins will share her new picture book and three-song CD, “When You Wish Upon a Star,” during an appearance Thursday, Jan. 19, at Anderson’s Bookshop in downtown Naperville.

Fans know Collins for her certified platinum albums, her version of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” (a Grammy Hall of Fame entry), and her interpretation of “Send in the Clowns” (1975’s Grammy Song of the Year).

More recently, Collins released a New York Times best-selling picture book and CD version of “Over the Rainbow,” and her latest album, “Paradise,” including duets with Stephen Stills and Joan Baez.

“When You Wish Upon a Star,” illustrated by painter Eric Puybaret, is a story about dreams both wished and granted.

Collins will appear at 7 p.m. at Anderson’s, 123 W. Jefferson Ave. Priority numbers to join the book signing line are available with the purchase of her new book from Anderson’s.

A folk-rock icon, Collins has thrilled audiences worldwide for nearly five decades with her voice and interpretations.

At 13, Collins made her public debut performing Mozart’s “Concerto for Two Pianos,” but it was the music of such artists as Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, as well as the traditional songs of the folk revival, that sparked her love of lyrics. She soon moved away from the classical piano and began her lifelong love with the guitar.

In 1961, at age 22, she released her first album, “A Maid of Constant Sorrow.”

Collins has recorded more than 40 albums. With several Top-10 hits, Grammy nominations, and gold- and platinum-selling albums to her credit, she also has written several books and, in 2000 she founded her own music label, Wildflower Records.

Her social history always has been linked with her musical history. Collins is drawn to social activism and is a representative for UNICEF and campaigns on behalf of the abolition of land mines, among many other causes.

For details, visit andersonsbookshop.com.