Evening Storytime with Chris Clarkson

We’re heading to Parleaux Beer Lab for a cozy Evening Storytime!

Join us on Friday, April 10 at 6pm as local author Chris Clarkson shares his new picture book, Songbird in the Light (co-authored w/ Billy Porter) with us. Settle in with a pint of Parleaux’s small-batch craft beer (or a juice box for the little ones) and enjoy a family-friendly reading.

After storytime, kids are invited to stick around for a fun craft activity inspired by the book.

Chris Clarkson is the author of Chloe and the Fireflies, Where Did Benjamin Go? and That Summer Night on Frenchmen Street and the co-author of Songbird in the Light. Clarkson lives in New Orleans where he’s building a collection of notebooks filled with stories waiting to be brought to life.

Songbird in the Light:

From beloved Broadway icon Billy Porter, rising-star author Chris Clarkson, and award-winning illustrator Charly Palmer comes a beautiful picture book about the power of finding your voice.

Mama says her little boy is a songbird with a voice bigger than his whole body. But at school, his classmates make fun of the way he walks and the way he talks–which makes him feel like a songbird too shy to sing.

With the encouragement of his choir teacher, he embraces his talent, realizing that his voice is unique and distinct. When it’s time for the school showcase, he’s finally ready to embrace his joyful talent and share it with the world.

From Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award winner Billy Porter, rising star Chris Clarkson, and award-winning illustrator Charly Palmer comes a beautiful and empowering story about learning to love yourself.

As Billy Porter notes is a powerful author’s note: I created this book to remind children of their own joy. Their own love…. A kind of love that the world can’t take away.