Meet author Brad Rice at the Medina Library Oct. 4

Local author Brad Rice will be featured at the Medina County District Library’s Medina Book Fest on Oct. 4. He will be one of six local authors available at the library to discuss and sign their latest books.

Rice’s newest book, Irpin’s Big Adventure, is geared toward readers ages 4 and older. The story explores themes of displacement and belonging, reminding readers that even when we feel alienated, there are people who care and are willing to help.

The idea was inspired by events in Ukraine. Rice said he woke up one morning with the thought that a book should be written to give hope to those displaced by war or natural disasters. In the story, Irpin lives in Ukraine with his sister, Kyiv, and extended family. When war breaks out, they must leave their home and eventually resettle with a host family in a foreign country. With support, they rebuild their lives and make new friends, learning that home is where you are.

Rice, an artist in the Medina County Art League, illustrated the book with pen and watercolor. The self-published title is available at the Book Shelf store in Medina, next to Cool Beans, or on his website at bradrice.com.

The book sells for $20, with $5 donated to Project Learn, a program run by the Book Shelf that teaches English to new legal immigrants. Rice also writes a blog, Irpin’s Big Blog (bradrice.com/Irpins-Big-Blog), that shares continuing adventures of Irpin.

The Medina Book Fest runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Medina County District Library. Attendees can meet six local authors, purchase books, and attend workshops covering self-publishing, drafting, marketing, and connecting with literary agents. Workshop registration is available on the library’s website.

Rice will be present with copies of Irpin’s Big Adventure. Visitors are encouraged to stop by to meet him and learn more about his work.