The First Day of Peace: Book Reading and Signing
In celebration of International Day of Peace, join Prospect Park Alliance and The Peace Studio for a book reading and signing of The First Day of Peace, a new children’s picture book by two of The Peace Studio’s co-founders, Maya Soetoro-Ng and Todd Shuster with illustration by Tatiana Gardel. The book offers a moving and modern take on the wondrous power of kindness and sharing.
The event will include a reading of the book by Maya and Todd, alongside discussion and a fun peace-focused craft activity for kids and adults as well as a kids illustration workshop led by Tatiana. A light reception and the opportunity for book purchasing and signing will follow the reading.
About the Authors + Illustrator
Maya Soetoro-Ng is a peace educator at the Matsunaga Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution at the University of Hawai’i. As a consultant to the Obama Foundation, she also helps to develop Asia-Pacific leadership and global girls’ education programs. Inspired by her two delightful daughters, Soetoro-Ng is the author of the New York Times bestselling picture book Ladder to the Moon and of the forthcoming young adult novel Yellowwood. She is a cofounder of the nonprofits Ceeds of Peace, the Institute for Climate and Peace, and The Peace Studio.
Todd Shuster is an author, literary agent, and film producer based in New York City. As a literary agent, he has represented the New York Times-bestselling Grace by Cody Keenan and the Pulitzer Prize-winning His Name is George Floyd by Robert Samuels and Toluse Olorunnipa, among other acclaimed titles. The First Day of Peace is his picture book debut.
Tatiana Gardel is a Brazilian-born illustrator whose work has been recognized by the Society of Illustrators in New York and American Illustration. Her art is inspired by her culture, by her love for nature, and by mythology and childhood memories. She is a co-founder of #LatinxPitch and teaches animation to young artists at the Harlem School of the Arts. The First Day of Peace is her picture book debut. Tatiana Gardel lives in New York City with her family.