Press Release: Kidlit for Los Angeles

The children’s publishing industry is uniting to support a fundraising initiative launched by four picture book authors in response to last week’s devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. Kidlit for Los Angeles—founded by Caroline L. Perry, Charlotte Offsay, Tara Luebbe, and Jocelyn Rish—has been flooded with donations from authors, illustrators, and industry professionals.

Top auction items include a complete set of signed Diary of a Wimpy Kid books with an original sketch from creator Jeff Kinney; a virtual school or book club visit from Wings of Fire author Tui T. Sutherland; virtual school visits from Kate DiCamillo, Alan Gratz, Lisa Moore Ramée, Bob Shea, Ben Clanton, Scott Magoon, Kelly DiPucchio, and Adam Wallace; signed books from Suzanne Collins, Donna Barba Higuera, Daniel Nayeri, and Eric Rosswood; original art from Vashti Harrison and Pete Oswald; and exceptional contributions from editors, agents, and other industry professionals.

“I reached out to Charlotte to see if we could channel our sadness into something productive,” says Perry, a Los Angeles-based author. “I have friends who lost their homes in the fires, and this tragedy has impacted so many.”  After putting out a call for donations, Perry says the team was “overwhelmed” by the support they received. Illustrator Sydney Hanson designed the Kidlit for Los Angeles logo while evacuated from her home. “We turned to our networks,” says author Offsay, who is also an Angeleno. “And everyone wanted to help.”

The online auction will run from January 20 to 26, raising funds for the California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, and the Animal Wellness Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund. “We have so many incredible items,” Luebbe says, with Rish adding: “There’s something for everyone. Please come and bid!”

Where proceeds will go:

–       California Community Foundation: Wildfire Relief Fund: calfund.org

–       Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: lafoodbank.org

–       Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation: https://supportlafd.org/

–       Animal Wellness Foundation Fire Relief Fund: https://www.animalwellnessfoundation.org/

About Kidlit For Los Angeles

We are a group of kidlit creators who have been heartbroken by the apocalyptic scenes in Los Angeles. Many of us are proud Angelenos, with friends and loved ones who have suffered crushing losses. We are looking to help raise desperately-needed funds for wildfire relief efforts in the many communities that have been impacted. 

Fundraiser Organizers:

Caroline L. Perry: www.carolinelperry.com

Charlotte Offsay: www.charlotteoffsay.com

Tara Luebbe: www.beckytarabooks.com

 Logo design by Sydney Hanson: https://www.shannonassociates.com/sydneyhanson

Follow Kidlit for Los Angeles on Instagram (@kidlitforlosangeles) for updates.

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