IMPORTANT NOTICE! Due to the impending tropical storm/possible hurricane Henri forecast to hit the Hudson area on Sunday afternoon, the book launch for Hudson Talbott’s A Walk in the Words is being rescheduled to Tuesday, August 24 at 6pm.
“A beautifully rendered and deeply inspiring book for everyone who has ever read slowly—myself included! Hudson shows us the beauty and magic that can come from taking our time. Brilliant.” —Jacqueline Woodson
“Talbott excels at evincing concepts visually, and his talent is in evidence here as his protagonist first struggles then gains mastery (of reading), surfing confidently down a wave of words.” — Kirkus Reviews
Hudson Hall presents the launch of renowned author and illustrator Hudson Talbott’s newest book, A Walk in the Words. The event coincides with the final weekend of the first retrospective of his work, Hudson Talbott: River of Dreams at Hudson Hall. Published by Penguin Random House and inspired by his own childhood, Talbott’s inspiring story vividly reveals the challenges – and ultimately the rewards–of being a non-mainstream kind of learner. Talbott is joined on stage by Lisa Dolan, founder of the Hudson Reads mentoring project and co-founder of the Hudson Children’s Book Festival.
When Hudson Talbott was a little boy, he loved drawing, and it came naturally to him. But reading? No way! One at a time, words weren’t a problem, but long sentences were a struggle. As his friends moved on to thicker books, he kept his slow reading a secret. But that got harder every year. He felt alone, lost, and afraid in a world of too many words. Fortunately, his love of stories wouldn’t let him give up. He started giving himself permission to read at his own pace, using the words he knew as stepping-stones to help draw him into a story. And he found he wasn’t so alone–in fact, lots of brilliant people were slow readers, too. Learning to accept the fact that everyone does things in their own unique way, and that was okay, freed him up and ultimately helped Hudson thrive and become the fabulous storyteller he is today.
Hudson Talbott has written and illustrated over 27 books for young readers in an illustrious career that spans 30 years. He has worked with Steven Spielberg on an animated film adaptation, and with Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine on the book version of their hit musical Into the Woods. In 2009, his book River of Dreams: The Story of the Hudson River was named New York State’s Children’s Book of the Year and was later adapted into a children’s musical. Among Hudson’s many clients and patrons are The Metropolitan Museum, Museum of Modern Art, Metropolitan Opera Guild, and the New-York Historical Society.
Lisa Dolan is a retired Literacy Coach currently employed as a Literacy Consultant. She is Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Hudson Children’s Book Festival and the founder of Hudson Reads, a reading mentorship program for Hudson students.
PLEASE NOTE: All ticket holders must wear masks to this event. All ticket holders above the age of 12 must provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 upon entry. For the safety of our community, we are not making exceptions for for people over the age of 12 unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons. Read our updated COVID policy here
Hudson Hall’s programs are made possible with support from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.