2023
Kip, the adventurous mouse at Harford Christian School
December 7, 2023 - Cheese? Yes, Please! captivated the imaginations of four attentive kindergarten classes at the Harford Christian School in Darlington, MD. Her illustrated book has been recognized by the prestigious Story Monsters, Inc. with the Royal Butterfly award in 2020. Mark your calendars for the sequel's grand launch on April 20, 2024, at Broom's Bloom Dairy.
Calvary Baptist Church Christmas Bazaar
December 2, 2023 - D.A. Jennings, joined the festive spirit at the Calvary Baptist Church Christmas Bazaar in Bel Air, Maryland. A wonderful event filled with unique treasures, delightful crafts, face painting, and warm holiday cheer. Even Santa showed up for this joyous occasion.
The Belle Aire Holiday Market
November 25, 2023 – Early shoppers discovered the magic of The Belle Aire Holiday Market, bringing artisan vendors together to elevate the shopping experience. On this chilly morning hundreds of people immersed themselves in the festive atmosphere of Downtown Bel Air, where local retail shops extend Small Business Saturday specials and promotions. Local award-winning author D.A. Jennings joined dozeds of other vendors for this outdoor event.
The Annual Authors & Artists Holiday Gift Sale
November 4, 2023 - The Authors & Artists Holiday Gift Sale was a huge success with new authors and artists bringing in a good crowd. D.A. Jennings' newest book will be released in 2024 but she was taking advance orders and signups at this event for the third illustrated book in the "Kip" series, Share the Cheese.
A Return to Travis Elementary:
A Journey of Inspiration and Nostalgia
October 20, 2023 - El Paso, Texas:
Author D.A. Jennings embarked on a journey that led her back to the very place where her love of words and education took root.
Travis Elementary School, El Paso, Texas, was where the D.A. Jennings’ educational odyssey began, and it was here that she first discovered the enchanting world of books. Ms. Sarai Reyes, the school's librarian, reintroduced Jennings to the hallways she once roamed. The school had evolved, but the essence of learning and curiosity remained unchanged.
It was a magical moment when she read her book, The Tapping Stick, to the eager faces of the children. An unexpected closing came when Jennings was prompted to sing the "Fight Song" for her school. Jennings soon learned that the school song had not been heard by anyone at the school for decades and her rendition may have encouraged them to reintroduce the fun song.
Special thanks go to Judy Vaughn Gamble for making this visit possible.
Artoberfest on Kent Island
October 7, 2023 - Children's author D.A. Jennings returned to one of her favorite events of the year - ARTOBERFEST! This lively occasion, nestled in the heart of downtown Historic Stevensville, offered a day filled with artistic wonders, live entertainment, and engaging activities for all ages. Even the rain didn't keep people away. The street, temporarily transformed into a vibrant arts haven, welcomed a diverse array of talented artisans and crafters, each displaying their unique creations. From handmade treasures to local artistry, ARTOBERFEST provided a delightful opportunity for the community to come together, celebrate creativity, and create priceless memories.
Local Authors share writing tips with Harford Community College Students
October 5, 2023 - Harford Community College 2023:
D.A. Jennings' final Fall class, Fundamentals of Creative Writing, howled with excitement and creativity during the seventh session that ended with a panel of local authors. The panelists shared their writing journeys and suggestions for marketing, conferences, and resources. Special thanks to K.R. Raye, Claudine Marcin, Lindsey Pope, and Irmgarde Brown, for their insights. And a special thanks to the wonderfully creative students of the Fall class of 2023.
The "Lit Ladies" Celebrate 60th Annual Havre de Grace Art Show
September 30, 2023 - D.A. Jennings, surrounded by her fellow Lit Ladies: Claudine Marcin, Irmgarde Brown, and K. R. Raye, enjoyed a delightful day at the 60th Annual Art Show at Tydings Park, Havre de Grace, Maryland. Amidst good crowds and perfect weather, they sold and signed books, and relished the camaraderie.
Engage, Entertain, Educate
September 27, 2023 - The Harford County Literacy Chapter sponsored an Authors Showcase for Harford reading specialists at the Towson University TUNE Center, Bel Air. D.A. Jennings' presentation to the group was Adventure, the Vessel that Transports Learning. The theme was Engage, Entertain, and Educate. The discussion with the reading specialists and teacher went very well with some interested in bringing her presentation to their classes.
Havre de Grace Arts Collective hosts D.A. Jennings
September 14, 2023 - D.A. Jennings headlined a Meet the Author event at Gallery 220 in historic Havre de Grace, Maryland. The collective builds community through the arts by providing quality entertainment that engages and attracts audiences; by offering educational opportunities which nurture learning and creativity; and by encouraging synergism among performing, cultural and visual arts groups. For this event D.A. read selected excerpts from her books, shared insight as to her inspirations and her writing journey. The audience also heard about some of the projects she has on tap for the future.
Avondell Tea Talk with D.A. Jennings
August 30, 2023 - An afternoon tea was held for residents of the Brightview Avondell Senior Living facility in Bel Air, Maryland. Author D. A. Jennings was invited to talk about her writing journey and the Adventures in Literature class she facilitates every Wednesday at the facility. Ingrid Ridley, the Vibrant Living Director did a wonderful job of planning and overseeing this very special event.
Under the Sea Bash with D.A. Jennings
August 19, 2023 - Mermaids and Mermen abounded at the Under the Sea Fest held in Aberdeen, Maryland. D.A. Jennings sold and signed her books as jellyfish walked by on stilts, huge bubbles scurried across the grass, and acrobats flipped and flew through the air. Additional delights included an island princess, and a wonderfully friendly band of pirates. The O'Mara family initiated and sponsored the event in honor of their daughter, Ariella Jessica O'Mara. Proceeds benefit the Maryland Chapter TEARS Foundation.
Author D.A. Jennings with Bedlum Bones (top) and Children's authors, Stephanie Guzman and Lindsey Pope (bottom)
Hear Me Out - Poetry Slam Live
June 30, 2023 - My first original slam poem, originally written and performed, at Gallery 220 in Havre de Grace, Maryland, hosted by the Havre de Grace Arts Collective.
Slam poetry is a form of performance poetry that combines the elements of performance, writing, competition, and audience participation.
Performing live at Gallery 220
Author, Lindsey Pope, Organizers Gay Lynn Price and Jenni Meckelvaney, D.A. Jennings
Read to Succeed Presented at Good Shepherd Children's Center
June 27th, 2023 - The center was filled with excitement as D.A. Jennings presented some of her books to Good Shepherd Children's Center in Joppa, Maryland. The center was selected by the Joppatowne Lions Club to be the first recipient for some of their sponsored books for children. Twelve books were provided to the school and the author read The Tapping Stick to the Pre-K children and Cheese? Yes, Please! to the elementary students. Both sessions were lively and fun!
Pictured (L-R): Meghan Shuttlesworth, Peggy Hoban, D.A. Jennings, Rebecca Snyder
June 8, 2023 "A heartwarming celebration of gratitude and dedication! Churchville Elementary School's staff and students joyously came together for a dynamic breakfast honoring their remarkable school volunteers.
Led by the students, the program unfolded by grade level, brimming with uplifting moments. Melodies filled the air as singing voices resonated, while inspirational thoughts inspired those in attendance. Interactive dialogues about tea parties sparked engaging conversations, and an unwavering encouragement to always rise... and read!
Churchville Elementary School Volunteer Breakfast
Colleen Hyde, Churchville Reading Specialist, and DA Jennings.
Reading Night in the Garden at Hall's Cross Roads Elementary - Aberdeen
May 18, 2023 - Hall’s Cross Roads Elementary School's second annual Reading Night in the Garden bloomed with joy and literary delights! Author D.A. Jennings packed classroom sessions with two readings from her award-winning children’s books, sparking excitement and anticipation among children and their families.
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Literacy stations dotted the school’s garden offering kids games, summer reading information for parents, and free books to take home. The library transformed into a Scholastic book fair, and Chic-Fil-A generously fueled the evening with a delicious dinner. A heartfelt shout-out to Jennifer Palmer and the dedicated staff for their incredible effort and meticulous planning that made this event an unforgettable success!
Joppatowne Lions Club Supports Children's literacy in Harford County
May 4th, 2023 - D.A. Jennings presented a proposal to members of the Joppatowne Lions Club to sponsor books for children covered under Title One in Harford County. She was overwhelmed by their support. The club commitment, which included two additional donations by Daniel Jahn and Peggy Hoban, sponsored 68 books for children. The sponsorship covers the cost of the books. This is a non-profit endeavor by the author. The delivery of books to schools and child care centers will include a reading by D.A. Jennings of one or more of her illustrated books. Updates of book deliveries will be posted on the Book Sponsors page as they occur. Huge kudos to Rich Bennett (President) and the members of the group who are investing in the lives of children in their community.
Lions Club members and attendees (left to right):
Meghan Shuttlesworth, Brianna Snyder, Rebecca Snyder, Keith Williams, Rich Bennett, Olivia VanHorn, Daniel Jahn, Peggy Hoban, and Ron Der Motta
5th Annual Lock House Festival - Havre de Grace
April 22, 2023 - D.A. Jennings sold and signed her award-winning books with guests of the 5th annual Waterfront Festival in Havre de Grace, Maryland. Jennings shared the day with another author, Claudine Marcin, one of the four Lit Ladies.
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Attendees enjoyed a casual, waterfront setting while supporting a great cause - all proceeds benefited the Susquehanna Museum at the Lock House. Event organizers did an excellent job throughout the day.
Bulle Rock Writing Class
April 19, 2023 - All roads lead to Bulle Rock! Residents from the Bulle Rock community in Havre de Grace came together for a six-week class to sharpen their writing skills. The quick wit of the class and their willingness to push themselves to explore new ideas and writing options are making this a delightful experience.
Churchville Elementary School
Literacy Night
March 23, 2023 - Churchville Elementary School put the spotlight on reading with their Shine with Literacy Night. D.A. Jennings was invited to be the guest speaker and found herself surrounded with eager children and their supportive family members and friends. Staff members and readers at this school are committed to their students and make every effort to ensure they read to succeed. Such an enjoyable experience.
Perry Hall Library
Author Showcase
March 18, 2023 - D.A. Jennings signed books at the Local Author Showcase, hosted by the Perry Hall branch of the Baltimore County Public Library. This event featured a group of talented writers from various genres, all hailing from the local community.
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This was a fantastic opportunity to connect with other book lovers, meet new authors, and support local talent. The library created a great atmosphere for nearly a dozen authors from around Maryland to present their books.
Harford TV features "Memoir Writing" by D.A. Jennings
Annual Read-a-Thon at The Highlands School
Febrary 16, 2023 - The Highlands School organized its annual Read-a-Thon in February, where local author D.A. Jennings was invited to read selected poems from her book One Hundred Lives to the senior and junior students. The students participated by writing their own stories in response to the presentation.
Meet the Author at Avondell
