Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to Host Book Signing Event
From staff reports
The National Park Service at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (National Lakeshore) is pleased to announce a special book signing with author, Karen Trolenberg, and illustrator, Christopher Smith for their book “Flight of Megizzewas”. The event will take place on Friday, July 22, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire, MI.
Flight of Megizzewas is a children’s picture book written by Leelanau county native, Karen Trolenberg. The story tracks a day in the life of a majestic bald eagle named Megizzewas as he soars over iconic Northern Michigan scenery. The lush landscape, colorful, birds and woodland animals are beautifully illustrated by award-winning Michigan artist, Christopher Smith.
Megizzewas, which means “young bald eagle” in Anishnaabemowin, is named in honor of a bald eagle rescued in 1917 by the author’s great-great grandfather, W.A. “Deli” Craker. During the 13 years that Deli cared for the eagle, the bird became one of Omena, Michigan’s most famous residents. He was featured in many publications of the day including the Traverse City Record Eagle, Grand Rapids Press, the Detroit Sunday Times, and Outdoor Michigan. He also became a national ambassador for his species when photos of him were used in textbooks and by the National Audubon Society in literature calling for the protection of the bald eagle. The famed eagle flew to his freedom in 1931.
Author, Karen Trolenberg, lives in Northport, Michigan and was inspired to write this story after a kayak trip down the Platte River. When an eagle flew overhead, she found herself imagining the beauty of Northern Michigan from the bird’s perspective.
Illustrator, Christopher Smith, lives in Suttons Bay, Michigan and has been painting dogs, waterfowl, and other wildlife for many years. He won the Michigan Ducks Unlimited print contest in 2009 and 2014, and the Michigan State Duck Stamp competition in 2005, 2014, and 2016.
On a special note – the date of this book signing marks the 99th anniversary of the day that the original Megizzewas was rescued!
For more in-depth information about the National Lakeshore, please go to www.nps.gov/slbe. Also, check out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sbdnl and Twitter site www.twitter.com/sleepingbearnps.
