Community Calendar

Local author, Vance Bessey launches his new children’s book Wednesday, April 4 at 4 p.m. at the Patten Free Library, 33 Summer St, Bath.
Bessey’s book, Awk the Awkward Penguin, published by Just Write Books of Topsham, addresses the topical issues of bullying and discrimination. A young penguin’s journey teaches that being different is a good thing and in fact, it can be wonderful.
Written and illustrated by author Vance Bessey, Awk the Awkward Penguin is the story of a young penguin born different than all the rest—his flippers are far too long. This unique feature makes the little penguin feel different. He often trips and falls and his impairment impedes his swimming. It’s not long before other penguins notice his disability and begin to mock him. The local bully nicknames him Awk, the Awkward Penguin. Before long, the awkward little penguin feels like a misfit.
Awk has many adventures and meets new interesting friends along the way. Slowly, through determination, perseverance and a little help from his friends, Awk begins to realize that his differences are as much a gift as a curse—that different isn’t a bad thing, it can be good. Sometimes it can even be wonderful. Awk realizes his potential and finds his place in the world.
The children’s book is illustrated in a hand-painted classic animation cell style with soft cool pastel backgrounds, giving it a vintage look. The author/illustrator captured the feel of the early animated films from his childhood.
Vance Bessey is a published author, illustrator and cartoonist as well as an inventor with registered patents. A graduate of the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Narrative Art, he learned much of what he knows about storytelling from industry greats like Joe Kubert and Greg Hildebrandt. Bessey is the author of the young adult novel, Orphans of the Storm, soon to be released by Dreaming Big Publications. He authored Only in Maine and the comic strips The Edge and Only in Maine as well as comic books that he illustrated.
In addition, Bessey, an award-winning graphic designer, teaches courses in scriptwriting, narrative art and storytelling. For more information about the author and his works go to www.vancebessey.com.

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