Dordt University is excited to host a book launch event on April 15 for award-winning children's author and faculty member Sara de Waal, celebrating her latest release, The Biggest Smallest Thing, with a reading, Q&A, and book signing.
Dordt University is thrilled to welcome award-winning children’s author and faculty member Sara de Waal for a special book launch event celebrating her latest release, The Biggest Smallest Thing (Annick Press).
The event will take place on Tuesday, April 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Eckardt Lounge at Dordt University. It will feature a book reading, a Q&A session, and an opportunity for attendees to engage with the author. The book launch event at Dordt University is free and open to the public, and books will be available for purchase at the event.
Set to be published on April 8, The Biggest Smallest Thing follows the story of Muriel and Mo, two children with distinctly different ways of thinking. Muriel is imaginative and whimsical, while Mo is structured and determined. As their paths cross, they discover the value of collaboration, creativity, and seeing the world from different perspectives. With themes of art, science, and problem-solving, the book encourages young readers to embrace curiosity and cooperation.
“In my years teaching K-12, I saw how kids tend to categorize themselves early on—‘I’m the art kid’ or ‘I’m the science kid’—and how limiting that can be,” says de Waal. “This book explores how different ways of thinking are valuable and, when combined, can lead to real creativity and innovation.”
Beyond her book launch at Dordt, de Waal has been selected as one of only 30 children's authors in Canada to participate in the prestigious Canada Children's Book Week Tour, where she will visit schools on the West Coast of Canada to inspire young readers and share insights into the writing process.
“I was so excited when I found out I had been chosen,” de Waal says. “Speaking to students brings me back to the energy and curiosity of young readers. They inspire me as much as I hope to inspire them.”
Sara de Waal is also the author of 48 Grasshopper Estates. She is a recipient of numerous literary honors and an advocate for arts-integrated learning. Originally from British Columbia, de Waal now teaches at Dordt University, where she continues to write and inspire the next generation of storytellers. She teaches writing and literature courses, including Writing for Children and Writing Workshop for Teachers. Her journey from art education to award-winning author is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary thinking—a theme reflected in The Biggest Smallest Thing.
About Dordt University
As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.
Dordt University has named Payton Chitwood as head women's soccer coach, bringing leadership experience from Warner University, where he was a two-time Coach of the Year and led teams in a highly competitive conference.
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