Two local writers. One afternoon of readings, crafts, and conversation. Here’s why you should bring your kids and show up.
Good stories have a way of finding you at exactly the right moment. On May 16, the Jones Public Library and the Friends of Jones Library are making it easy for the whole community to find two of them at once — by bringing the authors right into the Kids Zone for an afternoon you won’t want to miss.
Local authors Lagin King and Nicole Krashin will be on hand from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a Meet and Greet that goes well beyond a simple signing. Both writers will share the real story of how they became published authors, read excerpts from their books, and stick around afterward for crafts and snacks with readers of all ages.
Lagin King — This Is My Story
Lagin King’s debut book, This Is My Story, is exactly what its title promises — a personal, honest account of what she went through in her own life and how she came out the other side. Published through Heavenly Realm Publishing, the book is written for anyone who has faced adversity, trials, and difficult seasons, offering her journey as both testimony and encouragement. King’s voice is rooted in lived experience, and her message is one of resilience and hope — the kind of story that reminds readers they are not alone in what they are walking through.
Genre: Memoir and inspirational nonfiction Audience: Adults and older teens navigating hardship, faith, and personal growth
Nicole Krashin — The Need for Green
Nicole Krashin is an autistic author whose children’s books are written from the inside out — drawing on her own experience of the world to create stories that genuinely honor neurodivergent children rather than simply explaining them. Her debut picture book, The Need for Green, follows Jade, a young girl who finds comfort, joy, and connection through nature. The story unfolds with a gentle rhythm that draws young readers in, and its message — that difference is something to be celebrated, not hidden — resonates for kids and the adults who love them.
Krashin is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, the Texas Library Association, and a contributor to Exceptional Needs Today. She writes a blog for adults on autism, communication, and daily life, and her work has been praised by parents, educators, and fellow authors for its authenticity and heart.
Genre: Children’s picture books, neurodiversity and inclusion Audience: Children ages 4 and up, parents, educators, and anyone who loves a child who experiences the world differently
What the Afternoon Looks Like
The event runs three hours and is designed to be as much about connection as it is about books. Both authors will share how their publishing journeys began — the real version, not the polished one — which makes this especially valuable for any young readers or aspiring writers in the room. Live readings give you a feel for each author’s voice before you decide what to bring home. And the crafts and snacks that follow the readings make it a full afternoon rather than a quick stop.
This is the kind of event that reminds kids that books are made by real people with real stories — and that their own stories matter too.
Event Details
Event: Author Meet and Greet — Lagin King and Nicole Krashin Hosted by: Jones Public Library and the Friends of Jones Library Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026 Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Location: Kids Zone, Jones Public Library Cost: Free
Nicole Krashin: writinginkrashin.com / [email protected] Instagram: @writinginkrashin
