Children and families filled Eastern’s Child and Family Development Resource Center on Sept. 17 for a childhood literacy event titled “Read a Book, Love a Book: Developing Literacy.” Award-winning authors and illustrators Winsome Bingham, Kyle Lukoff, Barbara McClintock and Juana Martinez-Neal presented their books and emphasized the importance of childhood literacy.

“Read a Book, Love a Book” featured author readings and literacy activities led by education students who are training to become teachers. The Willimantic Public Library helped families sign up for library cards, and a statewide librarian’s association handed out free books to local families.

Behind the coordination of the event was education Professor Susannah Richards. “It's about igniting, delighting and cultivating a love of literacy,” she said. “This was a wonderful collaboration with students in the elementary certification program to create activities that were free of charge to parents.”

Richards also pointed out the importance of authors who live in our communities and inspire young readers and writers. “It doesn't matter if it's a paperback or a hardcover; it's really about having a book that they love.”

The event coincided with the release of Bingham’s picture book “The Table,” co-written with Wiley Blevins and illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Jason Griffin. The book follows the story of two struggling families through the unique perspective of their dinner table.

“Reading gives us the opportunity to not just see ourselves, but to look into the lives of others,” Bingham said. “Even though a character might not be like you, stop and think about if they represent something. Now you're exposed to someone, whether it's their joy, their sadness, their hurt or just their love for life.”

Lukoff read his new book “I’m Sorry You Got Mad,” illustrated by Julie Kwon. The book follows a series of apology letters written to a character named Zoe after her castle is destroyed, creatively delving into their emotions.

Lukoff tells stories about various topics, including queer history among others. His book “Call Me Max,” which follows the story of a transgender boy, was one of many books banned in Florida’s school system among others by its “Parental Rights in Education” or “Don’t Say Gay” bill in 2023. Lukoff’s book “When Aidan Became a Brother” earned the Stonewall Award, along with “Too Bright to See,” which also received a Newbery Honor and was a National Book Award finalist.

Martinez-Neal is an author and illustrator, earning a Caldecott Honor with her debut book “Alma and How She Got Her Name,” also released in Spanish as “Alma y Como Obtuvo Su Nombre.” Juana read aloud “La Princesa and the Pea,” a picture book written by Susan Middleton Elya and illustrated by herself.

Martinez-Neal enjoys adapting existing stories and fables to reflect her own culture. Born and raised in Peru, Martinez-Neal didn’t know many popular picture books in her youth. When asked about her creative process, she said, “I’ll read a manuscript and try to find an emotional connection. I always try to bring my own perspective to what I illustrate.”

Barbara McClintock received five New York Times Best Illustrated Picture Book Awards, a Boston Globe/Horn Book Honor Award and other prestigious awards. She read aloud “Three Little Kittens,” a comedic reimagining of the classic nursery rhyme of the same title. McClintock both illustrated and authored the book herself.

“When I was little, I wanted to be a cat,” she said when asked about her inspiration to become a children’s author and illustrator. “When I grew up, that obviously didn’t work out.” Drawing laughs from the audience, McClintock said she fell into the writing profession naturally.

The event was also coordinated with the Connecticut Department of Education and the Connecticut Association of School Librarians, which handed out hundreds of free books to community members. “We work with the State of Connecticut to get books into the hands of young readers and writers,” said Melissa Thom, past president of CASL. The association attends events throughout the state to promote literacy and distribute free books to Connecticut families. “We hope to make a big impact.”

“(Reading) really does something to you,” Bingham said. “... It teaches us how to build empathy and how to be disciplined. Books are a vessel that open doors.”