Free activities and events in New York City

In-Store: Storytime with Niña Mata “New”

Published: May 24, 2025; Aithor: Julia Sonrisa

Event guidelines:

• All attendees are encouraged to wear face masks at all times.
• RSVP is highly encouraged but not required.
• Additional copies of the event book will be available for purchase in-store.
• The reading will be followed by a book signing.
• As a reminder: If you are not feeling well, please do not come to the event, even if you have a ticket; email us and we’ll work it out.

If you have any questions regarding these guidelines or to request accessibility accommodations, please contact eventhelp@booksaremagic.net.

Perfect for fans of Eyes that Kiss in the Corners and Big: award-winning and bestselling creator Niña Mata makes her authorial picture book debut with a tender and personal story about a Filipina child who contemplates what it means to be new on the first day of school.

In the big city, everything feels new.

School is new. The people are new. And the glares and stares you get for being different are new.

But new can also mean new beginnings...

With spare, evocative text and gorgeous, emotive illustrations, this inside perspective of moving from one place to another centers a child who learns that being open and kind makes space for everyone. Perfect for back-to-school, Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and any story time, Niña Mata’s semi-autobiographical picture book will resonate with young readers who are embarking on new adventures.

Niña Mata is a children’s bookmaker and New York Times bestselling illustrator. Her books include She’s Got This; I Absolutely, Positively Love My Spots; I Promise and I Am More Than (both by LeBron James); and the Ty’s Travels series, including the Geisel Honor Book Ty’s Travels: Zip, Zoom! New is her authorial picture book debut. Visit her at ninamata.com.

Time: 11:00-11:30 am EST

Free!

Registration

Detailed information and discussion of the event.