Join us for a storytime and draw-along with acclaimed author and illustrator Astrid Sheckels in partnership with Mass Kids Lit Fest, a week-long celebration of children’s literature taking place across Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties, May 3-9, 2026.
Co-presented by the Lenox Library, this special event highlights Astrid’s new picture book, Flora and the Jazzers, the heartwarming tale of Flora the ferret, a chambermaid who dreams of seeing her favorite band perform at the hotel where she works. A live drawing demonstration will follow the reading.Â
IMPORTANT EVENT INFORMATION:
- This program is organized for youth ages 4-8, accompanied by their grown-ups. Thanks to the support of Mass Kids Lit Fest in partnership with the Massachusetts Center for the Book, this special program is free and open to the public; registration is encouraged but not required. For a full schedule of Mass Kids Lit Fest events, please visit www.makidslitfest.org.
- This program takes place outdoors under a canopy shade tent. In the event of rain, the storytime will relocate to Lenox Library, 18 Main Street, Lenox, MA. This webpage and The Mount’s homepage will be updated by 9:00 am the day of the program if a change of venue is necessary.
- Books will be for sale from The Mount Gift & Bookstore at this event.
- Questions? Email: programs@edithwharton.org
Award-winning author/illustrator Astrid Sheckels cannot remember a time when she was not telling or illustrating stories, especially ones involving imaginary animals. A native of western Massachusetts and growing up in an artistic family, Astrid spent her childhood playing outside, using her imagination, and drawing. Her Scandinavian roots are evident in her artwork, which she describes as a “mix of classic realism and whimsy.” She is a member of the Western Massachusetts Illustrators Guild and has artwork in the permanent collection of The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. Astrid’s picture books include the Hector Fox and Friends series, the Sea Dog series, Flora and the Jazzers, and Nic and Nellie. Several exciting new titles are in the works with Waxwing Books.
