Island author hosts book series finale party

Published 8:51 am Saturday, October 24, 2015

Upon the release of “The Fairy Swarm,” Bainbridge-based children’s author Suzanne Selfors’ popular “Imaginary Veterinary” series, winner of the Washington State Book Award, will conclude.

In celebration of the series, Eagle Harbor Book Company is hosting a party at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, where Selfors and some local actors will perform a scene from the book.

All of the most beloved characters from the series, including Sasquatch and some of the fairies, will be there as well, and everyone — kids and adults — are invited to dress as their favorite imaginary character.

“It will be an emotional night for me,” Selfors said. “Not only because Eagle Harbor is where my career began, but because I will be saying goodbye to a series I love.”

Seven years ago, the author stood in Eagle Harbor Books, with some Vikings and an old sea captain and introduced readers to her first novel, “To Catch a Mermaid.”

“That night was a dream come true, and it was also my birthday, so it was a double-whammy of celebration,” she laughed.

Since then, Selfors has published 18 novels for young readers — with more on the way.

The “Imaginary Veterinary” series tells the story of Ben Silverstein and Pearl Petal, who have had quite a summer working as the apprentices of Dr. Woo, veterinarian for imaginary creatures. Together, they’ve encountered all sorts of magical beasts, including a Sasquatch, a lake monster, a dragon, a unicorn, a griffin and even a leprechaun.

In the latest book, a swarm of sugar fairies escapes into Buttonville and Pearl and Ben are tasked with catching the mischievous creatures. But, with know-it-all Victoria getting in the way, the quest will prove difficult. Can Ben and Pearl protect the townspeople, keep the fairies safe and outsmart the dangerous poacher, Maximus Steele?

The book includes bonus writing, art and science activities that will help readers discover more about the mythological creatures featured in “The Fairy Swarm.”

Eagle Harbor Books is asking creative readers to make fairy houses, which they’ll put on display in their windows before the event. Readers can also order the book before the party. The first 35 who pre-order “The Fairy Swarm” from Eagle Harbor will get a signed poster.

To order, call the bookstore at 206-842-5332.