Reading and Book Signing with A.J. Irving

Ken Sanders Rare Books will host children’s book author A.J. Irving for an in-store reading and book signing Saturday, Jun 22 from 12pm - 2pm. The event will be held in the children’s reading room on the main floor of Ken Sanders Rare Books, located at 209 East 500 South. The event is free, open to the public, and ADA accessible.

About A.J Irving
A.J. Irving grew up in Boise, Idaho, writing stories and daydreaming about becoming an author. Now, she writes picture books and poetry beneath an old elm tree in Salt Lake City. A.J. is the critically acclaimed author of Dance Like a Leaf, The Wishing Flower, and The Bi Book (Knopf BFYR, summer 2025).
As a children’s author and former bookmobile librarian, A.J. is passionate about inspiring kids to love books. When she’s not reading, writing, or dancing, she enjoys exploring Utah with her husband, two children, and their English bulldogs. A.J. is represented by Jordan Hamessley of JABberwocky Literary Agency.

About The Wishing Flower
Illustrated by Kip Alizadeh
(Knopf BFYR, 2023)
An LGBTQ-inclusive story about understanding your peers, your feelings, and yourself, The Wishing Flower is a love letter to longing, belonging, and longing to belong.
Birdie finds comfort in nature and books, but more than anything she longs for connection, to be understood. At school, Birdie feels like an outsider. Quiet and shy, she prefers to read by herself, rather than jump rope or swing with the other kids. That all changes when Sunny, the new girl, comes along. Like Birdie, Sunny has a nature name. She also likes to read, and loves to rescue bugs. And when Sunny smiles at her, Birdie’s heart balloons like a parachute.
From the acclaimed author of Dance Like a Leaf, with stunning illustrations by Kip Alizadeh, this book will inspire readers to honor their wishes and show the world their truest selves.