Children's book author and illustrator visits Pinwheel Kids on June 4

Lindsay Ward's latest book is all about "three."

On June 4, Cleveland author Lindsay Ward returns to Pinwheel Kids, at 3469 Fairmount Blvd., with her sixth and latest book, The Importance of Being 3. As parents know, age 3 is a very big year. Ward’s book follows three friends as they learn new things in threes—from triangles to tricycles.

According to Ward, "The idea for this book came from a project I was given while I was applying to graduate school. We were given three prompts, one of which was actually the number three. Although The Importance of Being 3 is different from my original concept, I would never have created the book had it not been for that initial idea. From there the book developed into the concept of what it’s like to be a certain age, the type of milestones associated with that age, as well as the challenges. I’ve always been interested in patterns, and loved the idea of merging being 3-years-old and things that come in threes."

Ward's picture books incorporate collages made from her collection of vintage, found and recycled paper. She creates her illustrations the old-fashioned way, layering paper, drawings and watercolor wash by hand.

Visitors to Pinwheel Kids on Saturday June 4, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. can have books signed, listen to a story or two from the author, and enter a choose-your-prize raffle.