"Waverly" Author Picnic & Craft

Join local author Samantha Cora for a reading of her debut children's picture book, "Waverly Braves the Breeze: The Story of a Galápagos Albatross" (Tra Publishing, 2024) at Badger Prairie County Park in Verona.

This event is part of a Picnic with an Author series through Dane County Parks. Bring a blanket or chair to sit on and a lunch from home. After meeting the author and reading their book, there will be special activities related to the story.

Waverly’s is a unique story of how bravery, friendship, and encouragement conquer anxiety. Set in the Galápagos Islands, the rhyming picture book introduces children to unusual animals and Spanish phrases while exploring the theme of overcoming fear in order to grow. There will also be time for a creative expression activity. Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase.

While the book is geared toward Pre-K through 3rd graders, everyone is welcome to attend!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Samantha Cora is a writer and photographer with a fascination for the natural world. She grew up exploring the woods around her family farm and cabin in Wisconsin, writing stories and taking photos. Her first children's picture book was inspired by a class trip to the Galápagos Islands. After earning a BA in English from St. Norbert College, she spent the first decade of her career as an award-winning journalist and then as a magazine editor for a national environmental nonprofit. She now works in marketing, writes stories, and is the founder of the organization Playful Acorns. She lives in Madison, Wisconsin with her husband, daughter, two cats, and many backyard birds