BROWNFIELD — Bestselling author of “The Wild Robot” series Peter Brown will take the stage at Stone Mountain Arts Center on Aug. 8 to discuss his wildly successful children’s novel, “The Wild Robot”. “The Wild Robot”, recently released as a major motion picture, is a #1 New York Times bestseller and a much beloved series of children’s novels. The series explores love, belonging and the intersection of technology and nature through the unforgettable story of a robot named Roz. Brown will be joined on stage by award-winning Maine novelist Shannon Bowring.
The annual Evening with Maine Authors event supports Camp Susan Curtis, the only camp in Maine that provides a free, 10-day camp experience exclusively for Maine children from low-income households – an experience that this population of children often can’t access due to limited financial resources.
This year’s event begins at 5 p.m. with a cocktail hour in the Queen Post Barn followed by a sumptuous buffet dinner in the Maine Hall. After dinner Brown and Bowring will read from their works and be available to sign books. The evening also includes a former camper who will relate how they have benefited from the camp. Tickets are limited and can be purchased online at https://maineauthors9.eventbrite.com.
Brown is a celebrated author and illustrator who is best known for children’s picture books. He’s earned numerous honors, including Caldecott Honor, two E.B. White Awards, New York Times Best Illustrated Book Award, Children’s Choice Award for Illustrator of the year and many more. His New York Times bestselling book “The Wild Robot” was made into a movie by DreamWorks Animation and was a huge commercial success. At one point it was the #1 most watched movie in the world, and it went on to earn multiple Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations, including Best Animated Feature Film in 2025. In addition to joining the Evening with Maine Authors event, Brown will be spending the day at camp before the event to participate in activities with the campers!
Bowring’s “The Road to Dalton” won the 2024 Maine Literary Book for fiction and her “Where the Forest Meets the Road” was the May 2025 selection for Maine Public Radio’s All Books Considered. In addition to being a very good writer, Bowring is also a local librarian.
The mission of Camp Susan Curtis is to provide a transformative camp experience that nurtures self confidence and a sense of belonging in Maine children facing economic hardship, with the long-term vision that all Maine children feel valued and have the opportunity to thrive. Located on 100 acres of pristine conservation land, kids in need get to learn and grow in the beautiful Maine outdoors. They get to take swimming lessons, learn how to ride a bike, try kayaking or hike a mountain for the very first time. Through supportive relationships with mentors and peers, kids gain the self-confidence needed to believe in themselves. Since 1974, CSC has served over 19,000 children facing economic hardship from across the State of Maine. Learn more at susancurtis.org.
