Fayetteville Standard

Bentonville, AR... Bentonville Public Library (BPL) is hosting children’s book author Ashley Franklin for a very special storytime in the Library’s Read Aloud space.

On Monday, June 19, 2023 at 10:30am, all are invited to join Franklin as she reads her latest children’s picture book, The Little Mermaid: Make a Splash. She will share additional stories, including books that celebrate Juneteenth. 

Book sales by Two Friends Books will be offered at the Library and Franklin will be available to sign books. A portion of the book sale proceeds benefits the Library. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Bentonville Library. All ages are welcome, and registration is not required for this free Library event. 

The Little Mermaid: Make a Splash is adapted by Ashley Franklin and illustrated by Paul Kellam. Based on the screenplay by David Magee and published by Disney Press, the brand-new film The Little Mermaid is currently in movie theatres. 

According to a recent interview with Southern New Hampshire University, Franklin “wants all underrepresented children to be able to see themselves in the stories around them. She’s made it her mission to support them, with the hopes of allowing all kids to dream big about their futures.” 

Franklin is well on her way to accomplishing such an important mission. On June 20, 2023, her newest title will be released, The Masjid Kamal Loves. Illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel, it is “a story about a young Muslim boy celebrating the many reasons he loves going to his local masjid.” The title received a starred review from Kirkus Review and is described as “a welcome and much-needed tale that highlights the true diversity of the Muslim community.”

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Original source can be found here.