Book Launch Celebration - Storytime, Art Demo, & Signing
Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026
10:30 am - 12pm
Frugal Muse Books
7511 Lemont Rd., Darien, IL
Join author-illustrator Laura Smetana to celebrate the launch of her new children's book, My Lucky Leaf, a whimsical story about the childhood joys of catching and identifying fall leaves.
The event will kick off with an interactive storytime and art demo where you'll discover how Laura created the vivid watercolor collage illustrations using actual fall leaves, followed by an scavenger hunt, fun fall art activities, and a book signing.
Free and fun for the whole family!
Art Exhibit: Collage from My Lucky Leaf
October 2 - October 30, 2026
Indian Prairie Public Library - 2nd floor gallery
401 Plainfield Rd., Darien, IL
See the original vibrant cut-paper watercolor collage illustrations of fall leaves from author-illustrator Laura Smetana's new children's book My Lucky Leaf, which Kirkus Reviews has declared "a must-read for young leaf peepers."
Free and open during library hours
NINPA's 7th Midwest Nature Play Conference - Exhibitor Table
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Brookfield Zoo Chicago
8400 31st St, Brookfield, IL 60513
Meet author-illustrator Laura Smetana at The Northern Illinois Nature Play Association's (NINPA) Midwest Nature Play Conference. Learn about her nature-inspired books, author visits to K-6 schools and organizations. Copies of all her books, including her new children's book My Lucky Leaf, will be available for purchase, along with art prints of her whimsical watercolor collages inspired by nature.
AISLE 2026 Annual Conference: Author Showcase & Lunch
Saturday, November 14, 2026
The Westin
70 Yorktown Center, Lombard, IL 60148
11 am - 12 pm - Author Showcase
12 pm - 1:30 pm - Author Lunch at Readers' Choice Awards
Meet Laura Smetana at the Association of Illinois School Library Educators Annual Conference. Learn about her books and author visits to K-6 schools. Copies of all her books, including her new children's book My Lucky Leaf, will be available for purchase, along with art prints of her watercolor collages.
Events
Past Events:
July 8, 2026
Summer Storytime & Draw-Along
Join author-illustrator Laura Smetana for a fun storytime and draw-along, followed by an art activity!
Summit Public Library District, Summit, IL
June 27, 2026
Book Signing at American Library Association Annual Conference
Receive an advance copy of Laura Smetana's new author-illustrated picture book, My Lucky Leaf!
Chicago, IL
June 3-29, 2026
Downers Grove Artists' Guild Exhibit
Cut-paper watercolor collages on display.
Indian Prairie Public Library, Darien, IL
April 25, 2026
Independent Bookstore Day
Join Laura Smetana for a book signing to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day from 10-11am. There will be games, freebies, and more!
Yellow Bird Books, Aurora, IL
April 17 - April 19, 2026
Nature Artists' Guild Spring Exhibit
Cut-paper watercolor collage on display
The Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL
March 14, 2026
Story Time at Tales from the Great Outdoors
Laura Smetana will read her book My Love for You Is Like the Night Sky, and demonstrate her signature collage technique at this family event, followed by an interactive draw-along and book signing. Free with admission.
The Morton Arboretum, Lisle, Naperville, IL
March 14-15, 2026
The Danada Nature Art & Photo Show
Cut-paper Watercolor Collage on display
Danada House, Wheaton, IL
December 9, 2025
Story Time at DuPage Children's Museum
Laura Smetana will read her book My Love for You Is Like the Night Sky, demonstrate how she makes cut-paper collages, and lead kids through a collage activity of a starry night sky. Free with museum admission.
DuPage Children's Museum, Naperville, IL
December 1 - December 29, 2025
Downers Grove Artists' Guild Exhibit
Cut-paper Watercolor Collages on display
The Woodridge Public Library, Woodridge, IL
November 7 - November 9, 2025
Nature Artists' Guild of the Morton Arboretum
Cut-paper Watercolor Collages on display
The Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL
October 7, 2025
AISLE 2025 Annual Conference Author Breakfast & Showcase
Champaign, IL
August 12 - September 14, 2025
Downers Grove Artists' Guild Summer Art Show
Cut-paper Watercolor Collages on display
Downers Grove Public Library, Downers Grove, IL
August 29, 2025
Story Time at Rosewood Farm
Laura Smetana will read her book My Love for You Is Like a Garden, demonstrate how she makes cut-paper collages, and lead kids through a draw along activity. Free.
Rosewood Farm, Sugar Grove, IL
June 28, 2025
Book Launch Celebration: My Love for You Is Like the Night Sky
Celebrate the launch of My Love for You Is Like the Night Sky! Activities include story time, illustration demo, interactive draw-along, scavenger hunt, art activities & book signing!
Frugal Muse Books, Darien, IL
June 1 - June 30, 2025
Downers Grove Artists' Guild Art Show
Cut-paper Watercolor Collages on display
Indian Prairie Public Library, Darien, IL
July 12, 2025
Driehaus Museum Community Day: Family Story Time & Activities
The Driehaus Museum invites families to a joyful celebration of storytelling, creativity, and community featuring author and artist Laura Smetana for a series of three hands-on demonstrations based on her book, My Love for You Is Like a Garden.
Driehaus Museum, Chicago, IL
April 15 - May 16, 2025
"Inside Outside" Public Art Competition
See one of Laura Smetana's cut-paper collages along with works by other local artists at this exhibit hosted by the Naperville Art League.
Naperville Fine Art Center & Gallery, Naperville, IL
March 19, 2025
Scrapbook Cardmaking Class for Teens
Learn the steps involved making cards using cut-paper collage techniques from children's book author and illustrator, Laura Smetana. By the end of the class, you'll have an assortment of unique cards that you can give to friends and family for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions.
Downers Grove Public Library, Downers Grove, IL
February 1-28, 2025
Solo Art Show "Stories In Collage"
Throughout February, the Woodridge Public Library's Art Gallery will feature collage art by Laura Smetana. The "Stories In Collage" exhibit will include original cut-paper watercolor collages from Laura's children's books as well as well as works inspired by her travels.
Woodridge Public Library, Woodridge, IL
January 28, 2025
Story Time at DuPage Children's Museum
Laura Smetana will read her book My Love for You Is Like a Garden, demonstrate how she makes cut-paper collages, and lead kids through a draw along activity. Free with museum admission.
DuPage Children's Museum, Naperville, IL
December 1 - December 28, 2024
Downers Grove Artists' Guild Winter Art Show
Cut-paper Watercolor Collage on display
Woodridge Public Library, Woodridge, IL
November 8 - November 10, 2024
Nature Artists' Guild of the Morton Arboretum - Autumn Art Exhibit
Cut-paper Watercolor Collages on display
The Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL
September 28, 2024
Downers Grove Local Author Fair
Downers Grove Public Library, Downers Grove, IL
August 2 - September 3, 2024
Downers Grove Artists' Guild Fall Art Show
Cut-paper Watercolor Collages on display
Downers Grove Public Library, Downers Grove, IL
July 13 - August 17, 2024
Art a la Cache: Art in Nature Exhibit - Romeoville Art Society
Cut-paper Watercolor Collages on display
Isle a la Cache Museum, Romeoville, IL
June 26, 2024
Story Time in the Park with Hinsdale Public Library
Local children's author Laura Smetana will read aloud her book My Love for You is Like a Garden. We will also make a craft and enjoy a cookie treat. Sponsored by The Birches.
Burns Field, Hinsdale, IL
March 16, 2024
Tales from the Great Outdoors: A Children's Book Family Event
Discover the story behind My Love for You Is Like a Garden, and enjoy a guided draw-along with the author followed by a book signing at this fun drop-in family event featuring children’s books authors, crafts, and more.
The Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL
March 2023
Guest Instructor - University of South Florida's OLLI Program
Watercolor Collage: Paint, Cut, Create!
In this three part class, bring a garden scene vision to life with collage art. The instructor will share the story behind her latest book, My Love for You is Like a Garden, which features her bold cut-paper watercolor collages of garden scenes. She will then guide you through all the steps to create your own watercolor collage. Materials you will need include: mixed media paper, watercolor paint, brushes, scissors, a pencil, glue stick and your enthusiasm.
February 20 - March 30, 2024
Nature's Ambiguities Exhibit - Downers Grove Artists' Guild
Cut-paper watercolor collage on display
Mayslake Peabody Estate, Oak Brook, IL
October 17, 2023
Guest Presenter at Downers Grove Artists' Guild
Downers Grove Public Library, Downers Grove, IL
September 23, 2023
Poplar Creek Author Fair
Poplar Creek Public Library District, Streamwood, IL
September 7, 2023
Memory Care Cafe - Storytime, Book Talk & Draw-Along
Discover the true story behind the children's book Ice Cream with Grandpa: A Loving Story for Kids About Alzheimer's & Dementia, and enjoy a guided draw-along with the author followed by a book signing.
Sunrise at Fountain Square, Lombard, IL
August 29, 2023
Children's Book Author Fair
Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, IL
August 19, 2023
Elmhurst Public Library Local Author Fair
Elmhurst Public Library, Elmhurst, IL
August 18, 2023
Guest Lecturer - University of South Florida's OLLI Friday Lecture Series
Join Laura Smetana as she discusses her book, Ice Cream with Grandpa: A Loving Story for Kids About Alzheimer’s & Dementia, inspired by her own family’s experience. This book explores dementia, aging and loss from a child’s viewpoint and provides tools so families can maintain meaningful relationships with their loved ones as dementia progresses.
August 1 - 31, 2023
Beautiful Ambiguities Exhibit - Downers Grove Artists' Guild
Cut-paper Watercolor Collages on display
Downers Grove Public Library, Downers Grove, IL
July 1 - 30, 2023
Art a la Cache: Art in Nature Exhibit - Romeoville Art Society
Cut-paper Watercolor Collages on display
Isle a la Cache Museum, Romeoville, IL
June 25, 2023
American Library Association Annual Conference - Chicago, IL
Book Signing - My Love for You Is Like a Garden
Book Signing - Ice Cream with Grandpa: A Loving Story for Kids About Alzheimer's & Dementia
March 11, 2023
Book Launch Celebration: My Love for You Is Like a Garden
Storytime, draw-along, scavenger hunt, crafts and book signing!
Frugal Muse Books, Darien, IL
November 2022
Downers Grove Artists' Guild Exhibit - Collages on display
Woodridge Public Library, Woodridge, IL
November 30, 2022
Memory Care Cafe & Book Talk
Book Talk “How to Maintain Meaningful Relationships with Loved Ones as Dementia Progresses” & Book Signing for Ice Cream with Grandpa: A Loving Story for Kids About Alzheimer's & Dementia.
Monarch Landing, Naperville, IL
September 17, 2022
Book Launch Celebration: Ice Cream with Grandpa: A Loving Story for Kids About Alzheimer's & Dementia
Storytime, draw-along, scavenger hunt, card-making for local seniors, ice pops and book signing!
Frugal Muse Books, Darien, IL
June 24 - 27, 2022
American Library Association Annual Conference - Washington, D.C.
On Display - Ice Cream with Grandpa: A Loving Story for Kids About Alzheimer's & Dementia
December 4, 2021
Book Launch Celebration: Little Squiggle's Lake Adventure
Storytime, story behind the book, draw-along, scavenger hunt, & book signing!
Frugal Muse Books, Darien, IL
