In-Store Storytime: Annie Bowler, The Mermaid

Date and Time for this Past Event

• Saturday, May 9, 2026  11:30am - 12:30pm

Location

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Details

East City Bookshop welcomes Annie Bowler for an illustrator storytime featuring her new book, THE MERMAID.

Note on Format: This event is in-store only. The event will feature a reading of the book, a drawing demo + activity, a Q&A, and a book signing!

ABOUT THE MERMAID

A rambling lakehouse, a gaggle of cousins, and one very patient grandfather makes the summer Sirena learns to swim something special.

Sirena spends part of every summer in a rambling lakehouse filled with cousins, aunts and uncles, and her beloved Poppo (her grandfather). But despite how inviting the water looks, Sirena hates swimming. Until Poppo's gentle words and example tempt Sirena into the water to discover the joys of swimming--until she's a veritable mermaid. As their lakeside vacation ends, Sirena discovers that her present is tied more closely to Poppo's past that she imagined. This is a tender story about the power of intergenerational relationships and overcoming your fears.

Annie Bowler is an illustrator based right here in Washington DC! She’s published several books, including Walking Towards Peace (Krull, Flyaway 2021) which is a Junior Library Guild Selection. Her work has been recognized by the Society of Children’s Book Writers, the Torpedo Factory Art Center, and the Society of Illustrators. When not drawing pictures or teaching art, Annie can be found chasing her kiddos and their dog Frida around Capitol Hill.