Vroman’s Bookstore continues its longstanding tradition of providing platforms for Pasadena-area writers with two separate Local Author Day events on Sunday. The events include a morning Young Readers Edition at 11 a.m. and an afternoon session at 4 p.m., both designed to connect local authors directly with the community while highlighting diverse literary voices.
Local Author Day events provide a platform for writers to connect directly with their audience and for readers to gain deeper understanding of the works, underscoring the enduring value of in-person author interactions.”
The Young Readers Edition features children’s book author Jules Horowitz presenting “Grouchy Gloria and the Cloud,” which follows a grouchy girl whose emotions manifest as a cloud that follows her everywhere. The 28-page rhyming story follows Gloria as she attempts various methods to get rid of the cloud, eventually learning to work with it rather than against it.
“The books have a fun rhyming scheme that keeps kids engaged. At the same time, they have important messages regarding mental health like learning to work with your problems instead of avoiding them and not taking your anger out on others,” according to Horowitz’s author biography.
Horowitz, a stand-up comedian turned children’s author, brings significant experience working with neurodiverse populations to his writing. The book targets children ages 4-8 and was published by BookBaby on February 3, 2025. It’s part of a growing series that includes “Grouchy Gloria & Zany Zack,” which focuses on Gloria dealing with her outrageous little brother.
The afternoon event begins at 4 p.m., with poet Amber Lopez presenting “To the Moon: Collector’s Edition” specifically from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The collection includes 20 additional heartfelt poems beyond the original edition and explores difficult topics within romantic relationships.
Artist, author, and architect Carlton Davis will also present “An Artist’s Life” during the afternoon session. His book chronicles his experiences, including struggles with bipolar disorder, addiction, and recovery.
Both events will be held at Vroman’s Bookstore’s main location at 695 East Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena. As an independent bookseller, Vroman’s maintains a tradition of supporting local authors through events like Local Author Day, showcasing a range of literary voices and genres.
Previous Local Author Day events have featured writers across diverse genres including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, self-help, and children’s literature. These events have become important fixtures in Pasadena’s literary scene, connecting local writers with readers while highlighting the diversity of literary voices in the community.
The format typically allows each author to discuss their work and creative process, with opportunities for audience interaction and book signings. Horowitz’s educational background includes an undergraduate degree from Columbia University and an MFA in Screenwriting from USC School of Cinematic Arts. He previously volunteered at Camp Via West in northern California, a nonprofit organization supporting children and adults with developmental disabilities, and has worked with children with autism.
The Local Author Day events are open to the public, with more information available by contacting Vroman’s Bookstore at (626) 449-5320. Vroman’s is located at 695 E. Colorado Blvd. in downtown Pasadena.
