Join us for a talk with Brian Selznick in Convocation Hall on Tuesday, October 8th at 5:00.  He will discuss storytelling, the power of images, and adapting stories from one medium into another.  All are welcome.  The talk will be followed by a book signing.

Brian Selznick is the author and illustrator of many books for children, and won the Caldecott Award for The Invention of Hugo Cabret, which was subsequently adapted into the film Hugo by Martin Scorsese.  His book Wonderstruck was adapted by Todd Haynes into a film for which Selznick wrote the screenplay.  Seliznick's other recent books include The Marvels, and Kaleidoscope, which the New York Times called "a lockdown masterpiece."  His book Big Tree, which was inspired by an idea from Steven Spielberg, was named one of the Best Children's books of 2023 by the New York Times, and the audio book, narrated by Meryl Streep, was nominated for a Grammy. His first book aimed at an adult audience was Live Oak with Moss, based on twelve poems by Walt Whitman.  Run Away with Me, his first young adult novel, will be published in April of 2025.

Selznick has illustrated many other books including The Doll People Trilogy by Ann M. Martin and Laura Godwin, The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins by Barbara Kerley (Caldecott Honor), Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride by Pam Munoz Ryan, and Frindle by Andrew Clements.  To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Harry Potter series, Selznick created new covers and a box for all seven books.  Selznick and his husband David Serlin collaborated on a beginning reader called Baby Monkey, Private Eye.  

Selznick wrote the story for a new version of The Nutcracker at the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago, choreographed by Tony-winner Christopher Wheeldon. Selznick has worked professionally as a puppeteer with Basil Twist, and created three toy theatre pieces with Dan Serlin.  

Selznick is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design.  His visit to Sewanee is presented by the departments of Theatre & Dance, Art, and Creative Writing, with support from the University Lectures Committee.