Batavia’s Books Between Bites hosts Local Author and Illustrator for New Children’s Book Launch
Batavia’s beloved literary series, Books Between Bites, is set to host a special event on Thursday, January 30, featuring award-winning author marnie O. Mamminga and acclaimed illustrator Mary C.Parks. The duo will present their latest children’s book, “the Wolf Song In Me”, a captivating tale that encourages young readers to explore the wonders of the natural world.
the event will take place from noon to 1 p.m. in the large Founders Room at the Batavia Public Library, located at 10 S. Batavia Ave. (Route 31). This program is free and open to the community, with no reservations required. Attendees will have the prospect to purchase signed copies of the book.
“The Wolf Song In Me” tells the story of a child’s hike down an old forest road, where they discover that wolves have also walked the same path. Through this journey, the child learns to face fear and gains a deeper understanding of our shared connection to the earth. The book is the second installment in the “Finding Wisdom in Nature” series, following the duo’s award-winning debut, “The Woodpecker’s Song”.
During the event,Parks will demonstrate the unique torn paper collage technique she used to illustrate the series.This artistic method adds a distinctive texture and depth to the book’s visuals,making it a standout in children’s literature.
Mamminga, a celebrated author, has penned works such as “Return to Wake Robin: One Cabin in the Heyday of Northwoods Resorts” and “On a Clear Night: Essays from the Heartland”, both published by the Wisconsin Historical Society Press. Her essays have been featured on NPR and in publications like the Chicago Tribune, Reader’s Digest, and The Christian Science monitor. She currently writes a monthly viewpoint for NPR’s WNIJ.
Parks, a nationally recognized educator and artist, has taught art at various levels, from kindergarten to college. Her innovative curriculum earned her a feature in the Chicago Tribune, and her students’ work has been showcased at the Art Institute of Chicago. She also served as a writer and illustrator for Instructor magazine, receiving international acclaim for her contributions.This event marks a highlight in the 36th season of Books Between Bites, a series that has been a staple in Batavia since its inception in 1987. The program continues to bring the community together through engaging literary and artistic experiences.
| Event Details |
|——————–|
| date & Time | Thursday, January 30, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM |
| Location | Batavia Public Library, Founders Room |
| Featured Book | “The Wolf Song In Me” by Marnie O. Mamminga and Mary C. Parks |
| Special Feature | Torn paper collage demonstration by Mary C. Parks |
| Admission | Free and open to the public |
Don’t miss this opportunity to meet the creators behind this inspiring series and immerse yourself in the magic of storytelling and art. For more data, visit the Books Between Bites website.
body”>Elizebeth Smith Friedman was a pioneer in code-breaking and one of the nation’s foremost cryptanalysts. She took down smuggling syndicates during Prohibition, broke enigma codes in World War II, and caught Nazi spies in South America. She and her husband, William Friedman, practically invented their field overnight. Learn about her start at the Geneva estate of Colonel George Fabyan, the eccentric millionaire, and how her research led to the start of the National Security Agency.
body”>On Thursday, May 15, retired batavia teachers Kathy Hubbard and Linda Sullivan will close out the season with a talk on the 2024 book, “The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness” by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt. He explores the progression of declining mental health in youth in the era of smartphones, big technology and exposure to social media. Haidt cites examples of how “play-based childhood” has been replaced by “phone-based childhood” and how four simple rules can assist in controlling the epidemic of mental illness and “restore a more human childhood.”
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Bring your lunch to enjoy during the program and discussion. Lunch items, beverages and baked goods also may be purchased at Flyleaf Bakery Cafe, located just inside the library and next to the meeting room.
Exploring History, Sports, and Mental Health Through Books: A Series of Engaging Talks
This spring, a series of thought-provoking discussions will take center stage, offering insights into history, sports, and the challenges of modern childhood. Hosted at the Batavia Public Library, these events are part of the books Between Bites program, where experts delve into fascinating books and their real-world implications.
The Woman Who Smashed Codes: A Tale of Spies and Cryptography
Table of Contents
- Exploring the Impact of Technology on Youth Mental Health with Jonathan Haidt
- Q: What inspired you to focus on the mental health crisis among youth?
- Q: How has the shift to a “phone-based childhood” impacted youth?
- Q: What are your four rules to restore a more human childhood?
- Q: How can parents and educators implement these changes effectively?
- Q: What role do events like Books Between Bites play in addressing societal challenges?
- Q: what message would you like to leave for parents and educators?
- Conclusion
On Thursday, February 20, Vivien Lasken, director of the Fabyan Villa Museum and japanese Garden, will discuss Jason Fagone’s 2017 nonfiction book, The Woman Who Smashed codes: True Story of Love, Spies, and the Unlikely Heroine Who Outwitted America’s Enemies. The book chronicles the life of Elizebeth Smith Friedman, a trailblazing cryptanalyst who played a pivotal role in shaping modern code-breaking.
Friedman’s story is nothing short of extraordinary. She dismantled smuggling syndicates during Prohibition, cracked Enigma codes during World War II, and uncovered Nazi spy rings in South America.Alongside her husband, William Friedman, she laid the foundation for what would become the National Security Agency. Her journey began at the Geneva estate of Colonel George Fabyan, an eccentric millionaire whose support was instrumental in her early career.
Charlie Hustle: The Rise and Fall of Pete Rose
On Thursday, March 20, Lester Munson, a nationally renowned commentator and former ESPN senior writer, will return to discuss Keith O’Brien’s 2024 biography, Charlie Hustle: The Rise and Fall of Pete Rose, and the last Glory days of Baseball. Munson, a frequent guest on WTTW’s “Chicago Tonight,” will share his insights into the life of Pete Rose, one of baseball’s most polarizing figures.
Rose’s career was marked by dizzying highs and catastrophic lows,culminating in a fall from grace driven by his hubris,arrogance,and compulsive gambling. O’Brien’s book offers a complete look at Rose’s legacy, exploring both his triumphs and his tragic flaws.
Manhunt: The Chase for Lincoln’s Killer
On Thursday, April 10, Dan Hoefler, a retired history teacher and president of the Batavia historical Society, will delve into James L. Swanson’s 2006 book, Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer. This gripping account details the pursuit of John Wilkes Booth following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln 160 years ago.Swanson’s narrative, based on rare archival materials, obscure trial transcripts, and Lincoln’s own blood relics, paints a vivid picture of murder, intrigue, and betrayal. It’s a story told through the eyes of both the hunted and the hunters, offering a fresh perspective on one of the most dramatic events in American history.
The Anxious Generation: Rewiring Childhood
Closing out the season on Thursday, may 15, retired Batavia teachers Kathy Hubbard and Linda Sullivan will discuss Jonathan Haidt’s 2024 book, The anxious Generation: How the great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness.Haidt, a social psychologist, examines the decline in youth mental health in the era of smartphones, big technology, and social media.
Haidt argues that the shift from a “play-based childhood” to a “phone-based childhood” has had profound consequences.He proposes four simple rules to help mitigate the mental health crisis and “restore a more human childhood.”
Practical Details
These programs are recorded by BATV and posted on YouTube. For exmaple, Valerie blaine’s December 12 discussion on The End of Night: searching for Natural Darkness in an Age of Artificial Light is now available online. Visit the Books Between Bites website for more details.
Parking is available in the lot south of the library, and attendees are encouraged to bring their lunch or purchase items from the Flyleaf Bakery Cafe, located just inside the library.| Event | Date | Speaker | Book |
|———–|———-|————-|———-|
| The Woman Who Smashed Codes | Feb. 20 | vivien Lasken | jason Fagone |
| Charlie Hustle | March 20 | Lester Munson | Keith O’Brien |
| Manhunt | April 10 | Dan Hoefler | James L.swanson |
| The Anxious Generation | May 15 | Kathy Hubbard & Linda Sullivan | Jonathan Haidt |
Don’t miss these engaging discussions that blend history, sports, and modern societal challenges.Whether you’re a history buff, a sports enthusiast, or concerned about the impact of technology on youth, there’s something for everyone in this series.Books Between Bites: A Literary Tradition Thriving in Batavia
For over three decades, Books Between Bites has been a cornerstone of Batavia’s cultural scene, bringing literature and community together in a unique and engaging way. Established in 1987 by the late Lee C. and Betty Moorehead, this beloved program has continued to flourish under the stewardship of their daughter, Becky Hoag, in partnership with the Batavia Public Library.
Held at the Batavia Public Library, located at 10 S. Batavia Avenue, Books Between Bites offers free, hour-long programs from Noon to 1 PM on the third Thursday of each month, running from September through May.these events are open to the community, and no reservations are required, making them accessible to all who wish to attend.
The program’s enduring success lies in its ability to blend literary exploration with community connection. Each session features a presentation on a selected book, frequently enough accompanied by insightful discussions led by guest speakers. As an example, a recent event highlighted The End of Night: Searching for Natural Darkness in an Age of Artificial Light by paul Bogard, presented by Valerie Blaine.
For those looking to enhance their experience, pre-ordering food for pick-up just before the program is an option. Simply call (331) 302-3480 to arrange your order.
To stay updated on upcoming events, visit the official Books Between Bites website, where you’ll find a complete schedule, detailed program descriptions, and a printable season schedule. Printed schedules are also available at the Batavia Public Library.
Key Details at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Location | Batavia Public Library,10 S. Batavia avenue, Batavia, IL 60510 |
| Schedule | Third Thursday of each month, Noon to 1 PM (September through May) |
| Cost | Free |
| reservations | Not required |
| Contact for Pre-Order| Call (331) 302-3480 |
Books Between Bites is more than just a book club—it’s a festivity of literature, learning, and community. Whether you’re a lifelong reader or new to the world of books, this program offers something for everyone. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this cherished Batavia tradition.
Exploring the Impact of Technology on Youth Mental Health with Jonathan Haidt
jonathan Haidt, a renowned social psychologist, delves into the alarming decline in youth mental health in the era of smartphones and social media. His insights, shared during the Books Between Bites event at the Batavia Public Library,shed light on the profound consequences of shifting from a “play-based childhood” to a “phone-based childhood.” Here’s a detailed Q&A summarizing his discussion.
Q: What inspired you to focus on the mental health crisis among youth?
Haidt: The data was impractical to ignore. Over the past decade, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in anxiety, depression, and self-harm among adolescents, particularly after 2012. This aligns closely with the widespread adoption of smartphones and social media. As a social psychologist, I felt compelled to explore this correlation and propose actionable solutions.
Q: How has the shift to a “phone-based childhood” impacted youth?
Haidt: Play is essential for developing social skills, resilience, and creativity.When children spend hours on devices rather of engaging in unstructured play, they miss out on these critical developmental experiences. this has led to increased isolation, reduced physical activity, and a rise in mental health issues. the constant exposure to curated online lives also fosters unhealthy comparisons and anxiety.
Q: What are your four rules to restore a more human childhood?
Haidt: First, let children enjoy unstructured playtime outdoors. Second, delay smartphone use until high school.Third, limit access to social media platforms until age 16. encourage schools to adopt phone-free policies. These steps can definitely help reclaim the balance between technology and real-world interactions.
Q: How can parents and educators implement these changes effectively?
Haidt: It starts with awareness and collaboration. Parents should model healthy tech habits and create tech-free zones at home. Educators can foster a school culture that prioritizes in-person interactions and outdoor activities. Community programs, like Books Between Bites, also play a vital role in promoting engagement and connection.
Q: What role do events like Books Between Bites play in addressing societal challenges?
Haidt: These events are invaluable. they bring people together to discuss pressing issues and explore solutions.books Between Bites, in particular, fosters a sense of community and encourages dialog about topics like technology’s impact on mental health. It’s a space where ideas can flourish and inspire action.
Q: what message would you like to leave for parents and educators?
Haidt: Be proactive. The mental health crisis among youth is urgent, but it’s not insurmountable. By reclaiming childhood from the grips of technology and fostering real-world connections, we can help the next generation thrive.Programs like Books Between Bites remind us of the power of community and the importance of staying engaged.
Conclusion
Jonathan Haidt’s discussion at Books Between Bites highlights the critical need to address the mental health crisis among youth. His four rules offer a practical framework for parents and educators to restore balance in children’s lives. By prioritizing play, limiting screen time, and fostering community engagement, we can mitigate the adverse effects of technology and nurture healthier, happier generations.
