
writÂten by Sarah WarÂren, illusÂtratÂed by Robert Casilla
This seaÂson, if you visÂit MinÂneapoÂlis’ MidÂtown FarmÂers MarÂket, you’ll stroll by a harÂvest of picÂture books by MinÂnesoÂta authors. PicÂture Book Parade — a new iniÂtiaÂtive by children’s authors Sarah WarÂren and CatherÂine Urdahl—will present a difÂferÂent stoÂry stroll each SatÂurÂday, from May 1 through OctoÂber 30. The strolls are set up at the entrance to the marÂket, and readÂers walk by a row of signs, each with a two-page spread of the feaÂtured book. These diverse exhibits invite reflecÂtion, conÂverÂsaÂtion, celÂeÂbraÂtion, and pride for all families.
The strolls are self-guidÂed and will be availÂable durÂing the regÂuÂlar hours of the marÂket — 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. SatÂurÂdays. Many of the strolls will include a visÂit from the author, along with a variÂety of fun activÂiÂties. FamÂiÂlies can pick up speÂcial BINGO cards to track their parÂticÂiÂpaÂtion in the season’s strolls — and receive prizes!
Sarah and CatherÂine want to reach readÂers where they are, by bringÂing books into non-traÂdiÂtionÂal pubÂlic spaces. They hope to conÂnect artists with their readÂers — a chalÂlenge in the era of COVID, when libraries and bookÂstores have been unable to host traÂdiÂtionÂal events. Sarah and CatherÂine credÂit HenÂnepin CounÂty librarÂiÂans for helpÂing spark the creÂation of PicÂture Book Parade. They plan to conÂtinÂue workÂing with librarÂiÂans on future initiatives.
Most of the strolls are fundÂed by a grant Sarah received from the MinÂnesoÂta State Arts Board. A local outÂdoor sign comÂpaÂny prints book spreads directÂly onto signs. PicÂture Book Parade worked with indiÂvidÂual artists to secure perÂmisÂsion from publishers.
For more inforÂmaÂtion and a schedÂule of MidÂtown MarÂket stoÂry strolls, visÂit www.picturebookparade.com


You ladies are amazÂing! I can’t wait to bring my kids this SatÂurÂday. I see some books that I didÂn’t know about; hope they’re availÂable for sale at MinÂneapoÂlis MidÂtown FarmÂers Market!?
Thank you for your kind words, Louie
! We try to have the book we’re feaÂturÂing availÂable for sale. You also can order them through Moon Palace Books by scanÂning the QR code at the end of the stoÂry stroll.