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James Neiss/staff photographer
Niagara Falls, NY - Children's author and Illustrator Matt Tavares visited the Children's Library at the Niagara Falls Public Library to talk about his book on the Great Blondin titled "Crossing Niagara: The Death Defying Tightrope Adventures of the Great Blondin.

PRESS RELEASE:

An Afternoon with Children’s Book Author and Illustrator Matt Tavares

NIAGARA FALLS, NY, April 5, 2016 - Award-winning children’s book author/illustrator Matt Tavares will share his latest work and discuss his creative process during a visit to the Niagara Falls Public Library on Saturday, April 23.
Tavares has written and/or illustrated sixteen books for young people, the latest of which has a local angle. Crossing Niagara: The Death Defying Tightrope Adventures of the Great Blondin, profiles the daredevil (and Wallenda predecessor) who successfully crossed the Falls via tightrope in 1859. His earlier works include biographies of a number of baseball luminaries: Becoming Babe Ruth, Henry Aaron's Dream, There Goes Ted Williams and Growing Up Pedro, a profile of All Star pitcher Pedro Martinez.
Tavares visited Niagara Falls with his family while researching the book, noting “It was awe-inspiring to see it up close, to stand next to the falls and soak in (literally) the sheer massiveness of it. We got drenched on the Maid of the Mist and ventured out to the end of the observation platform at Prospect Point. I tried to imagine what it must have felt like for Blondin to be right near that very spot, unthinkably high above the raging river, walking on a rope just three inches wide. (It was scary enough standing on a twenty-foot-wide platform!)”

Saturday’s program, which will include a reading from Crossing Niagara, a drawing demonstration and time for questions, should prove engaging for attendees of all ages. Children's librarian Linda Burke said of Tavares’ visit to the Mattapoisett Public Library in Mattapoisett, MA: "You held everyone's attention for the entire presentation and the age span was about 5 to 85! ... I can't remember another visiting author captivating young readers more than you did."

The event will begin at 2:30pm and is open to the public. Admission is free.
Press contact:
Michele Timby
Children’s Librarian
Niagara Falls Public Library
Phone: 716-286-4902
Email: mtimby@nioga.org

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