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Step into the spotlight…with children’s author Gerald Holt! Whistler Public Library has invited children’s author Gerald Holt to officially launch this year’s Summer Reading Club, with an evening of reading, storytelling, and fun!

Step into the spotlight…with children’s author Gerald Holt!

Whistler Public Library has invited children’s author Gerald Holt to officially launch this year’s Summer Reading Club, with an evening of reading, storytelling, and fun!

This enjoyable and free event will take place at the library, on July 9 at 7 p.m., and will be most suitable for children ages 5 and up. Mr. Holt will also be making appearances at the Squamish Public Library, on July 8 at 1 p.m., and the Pemberton Public Library on July 10 at 11 a.m.

A popular British Columbian author of children’s books, Mr. Holt’s work has been selected and recognized by the province’s distinguished awards in literature for young readers.

His novel Tails of Flame was short-listed for the Red Cedar Book Award, and was a finalist for the Blue Heron and the Surrey Book of the Year awards. Gerald Holt’s other books include: The Ghostly Tales of Mr. Tooth , Ben and Jacky and the Missing Diamond and Mystery on the Fen .

Mr. Holt’s past reads like a novel itself.

Born in England at Gravesend, Kent in 1937, he spent his early childhood watching Spitfires tilt V-bombs out of the skies, and observing the Allied troops on manoeuvres in the countryside in preparation for their upcoming battles. Upon completion of his education, Mr. Holt became a boy soldier, and served in the British Army.

Following his experience in the army, Gerald Holt worked for the Northern Rhodesia Police force as a platoon commander, and then as a detective inspector for their Criminal Investigation Department [C.I.D.].

When Northern Rhodesia claimed its independence, Mr. Holt returned to England and became a qualified Chartered Surveyor, a profession that brought him and his family to Canada in 1967.

The rest is history … still in the making.

The Whistler evening with Mr. Holt will feature the author’s Tails of Flame , a novel set in wartime London. The story tells the life of Tim, who spends his nights huddled in bomb shelters for protection against V-bombs.

Throughout the evening, Mr. Holt will be reading excerpts from his book, as well as sharing with the audience various artefacts pertaining to the novel.

Please note that pre-registration is important for this session and all other Summer Reading Club programs. Call the library at 604-932-5564 to enlist.

This evening will be a fascinating experience for youngsters and adults alike, so come along and enjoy this event with the Whistler Public Library on Wednesday, July 9 at 7 p.m.