Internationally best-selling author Cornelia Funke is back captivating the minds of both kids and the young at heart with her latest U.S. publication, Dragon Rider (Scholastic/Chicken House). The story follows the journey of two dragons, Firedrake and Sorrell, whose adventures take them to the Rim of Heaven, a mythical safe haven for dragons in distress. Filled with mythical locales, evil dragon slayers, and an epic journey, it’s easy to see why Dragon Slayer has already made it to the top of best-seller lists.
To promote her latest fantastical creation, Funke will be making an exclusive five-city tour across the United States. Along with stops in New York and Los Angeles, Funke will be appearing in metro Detroit, at the Oak Park Public Library, on Oct. 11. She will be speaking about her writing and her work, as well as signing copies of her latest opus.
Funke has long been read and acclaimed in her native Germany and across the world, but was not published in this country until 2002. Her magical and inventive story The Thief Lord immediately captured the minds of readers of all ages, as well as of critics. As a result, she landed on The New York Times bestseller list for 25 weeks and won a number of awards. Her second U.S. release, Inkheart, released in 2003, ensured her continued American success with more sales, praise, and a movie deal with New Line Cinema.
Described as “the German answer to J.K. Rowling,” Funke’s stories are a treat for anyone who wishes that dragons were real and life involved a little more epic questing. Whether you are already a devoted fan or are just looking to include more than Harry Potter in your child’s literature collection, check out Funke at the Oak Park Public Library (14200 Oak Park Blvd.) Monday, Oct. 11, at 7 p.m. Call 248-968-1190 for more information.
Megan O'Neil is a freelance writer for Metro Times. Send comments to [email protected]
