PITTSFIELD — Author and illustrator Hazel Mitchell will present her newest book “Toby” at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Pittsfield Public Library, 110 Library St.

The book is the heartwarming story about the growing bond between a child and a new pet — inspired by the author’s experience with a rescue dog of the same name, according to a news release from the library.

Mitchell will read from her book and conduct a drawing demonstration, as well as a question and answer period. Books will be available for purchase and signing. While the program is aimed at children, all are welcome.

Mitchell has always loved drawing and still cannot be reliably left alone with a pencil. She has illustrated many books for children including “Imani’s Moon,” “One Word Pearl,” “Animally and Where Do Fairies Go When It Snows?” “Toby” is her author-illustrator debut from Candlewick Press. Her work has received several awards and been recognized by Bank Street Books, Learning Magazine, Reading is Fundamental, Foreword Reviews, NYCReads365, Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles Charlotte/Mecklenburg , Chicago and Maine State libraries among others.

Originally from England, where she attended art-college and served in the Royal Navy, she now lives in Maine with her poodles Toby and Lucy and a cat called Sleep. She still misses British fish and chips, but is learning to love lobster.

For more information, call the library at 487-5880.

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