Celebration of Derek Anderson Landing Page Banner

Saturday, June 14th, at 6:30PM
@ Dog-Eared Books
203 Main Street, Ames

Join us at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 14th, to celebrate the publication of Bring Up the Sun a hopeful and heartwarming picture book authored and illustrated by beloved Ames-native Derek Anderson. Derek died of glioblastoma in 2024, but his family said he took great satisfaction in knowing that he saw this project to its completion. Help us pay tribute to Derek’s illustrious career by joining us for this joyous book party.

The evening will kick-off with a special “Stories with Story Time,” featuring our shop dog, Story, a 6-month old golden retriever. We’ll read Bring Up the Sun while munching on sugar cookies. Children and adults of all ages are welcome!

A conversation with Derek’s wife, Cheryl, will follow. Dog-Eared Books co-owner, Amanda Lepper, will talk with Cheryl about many of the highlights of Derek’s career as well as what inspired this moving picture book.

As we close out the night, friends, family, and fans of Derek’s books are encouraged to take a moment to share what Derek’s work and life mean to them.

Preorder a copy of Bring Up the Sun, as well as copies of many of the more than 30 books Derek produced over the course of his career.

About Bring Up the Sun:

A little sun has big shoes to fill in this heartening and thoughtful story from beloved author and illustrator, Derek Anderson

Sun’s grandfather just retired, and now it’s Sun’s turn to light up the world. There’s just one problem: He’s still very small.

He tries his best, but what will Sun do when nobody—not the mountains, the clouds, or the skyscrapers—likes the way he shines?

From the bestselling creator behind Croc and Ally comes a bright, intergenerational story about growing up and gaining the confidence to step into a new role with support and guidance from your family.

Bring Up the Sun

$30.00

Derek Anderson (1969–2024) was the creator behind many award-winning books for children. Derek illustrated the New York Times bestselling Little Quack series by Lauren Thompson, the Hot Rod Hamster series by Cynthia Lord, and Waking Dragons by Jane Yolen. Derek wrote a number of books as well, including What About Harry? and Ten Pigs: An Epic Bath Adventure. He lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota.