My Menu

News and Events

Upcoming Events


American Library Association presenter
Philadelphia
June 26-30, 2025


Storytime at Relish Food Hall & Pickleball
When: Saturday, July 19, 10:00 a.m.
Where: 550 S McCaslin Blvd. in Louisville, CO - between the Post Office and Safeway
Jolene will read copies of her books Too Much! An Overwhelming Day and Mamiachi & Me: My Mami's Mariachi Band. Copies of her books will be available for purchase. Learn more: https://www.visitrelish.com/



Storytime with LIFE group at Fort Lupton Public and School Library 
When: Monday, July 28, 11:00-12:00 a.m.
Where: 370 S Rollie Ave, Fort Lupton, CO 80621

Jolene Gutiérrez will share her book Too Much! An Overwhelming Day.


Past Events

Book Signing at Pearl Street Farmer's Market with Second Star to the Right Books

When: Sunday, June 1, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Where: 1455 S Pearl St, Denver, CO 80210
Learn more and register here: https://events.humanitix.com/authors-at-the-farmers-market?hxchl=hex-pfl


Professional development presentation for The Colorado Association for the Education of Young Children: Welcoming, Supporting, and Growing Our Understanding of Neurodivergent Students
May 14, 2025 6:30-8:00pm
Online training open to members and nonmembers ($15)
Learn more and register here: https://www.coloradoaeyc.org/events-1/pd-night-welcoming-supporting-and-growing-our-understanding-of-neurodivergent-students

Fort Lupton Public and School Library Cinco de Mayo Celebration
When: Friday, May 2, 4:30-5:30
Where: 370 S Rollie Ave, Fort Lupton, CO 80621
Jolene Gutiérrez will read her book Mamiachi & Me as part of the community’s Cinco de May celebration. Learn more here: https://www.fortluptonco.gov/1182/Cinco-de-mayo


Mamiachi & Ofrenda storytimes
Douglas County Libraries - Philip & Jerry Miller Library
100 S Wilcox St, Castle Rock, CO 80104
Saturday, May 3, 2025 2:00-3:30 pm
Learn more and register here: https://go.dcl.org/event/12036205 


Texas Book Festival Reading Rock Star in Dallas/Fort Worth
May 7-9, 2025

Mamiachi & Me Storytime for Día del Niñ0 at Wow! Museum
110 N Harrison Ave, Lafayette, CO 80026
Saturday, April 26, 2025 9:30 and 10:30 am

El Día del Niño/Edgewater Collective
Jefferson Junior/Senior High School, 2305 Pierce St, Edgewater, CO 80214
Saturday, April 26, 2025 4:00 – 7:00 pm

Rooted in Reading Event @ Botanic Gardens
1007 York St, Denver, CO 80206
Sunday, April 27, 2025 12:00-3:00 pm
Blog post here: https://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/rooted-reading-helen-fowler-library

Jolene reads her poem If, Then on Michelle Schaub's Poetry Boost/Poem Share
Monday, April 7, 2025


Mamiachi & Me Storytime at Golden branch of the Jefferson County Library
1019 10th St, Golden, CO 80401
Wednesday, April 9, 2025 6:00-7:00 pm

Mamiachi & Me Storytime at Standley Lake branch of the Jefferson County Library
8485 Kipling St, Arvada, CO 80005
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 6:00-7:00 pm


Mamiachi & Me WOW! Children's Museum Storytime
110 N Harrison Ave, Lafayette, CO 80026
Thursday, March 27, 2025 10:00-11:00 am

Storytime for Dea at Second Star to the Right Bookstore
1455 S Pearl St, Denver, CO 80210
Saturday, March 29, 2025 12:00-12:45 pm
Learn more and RSVP here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-legacy-lives-on-party?hxchl=amk-eml-hfn&hxref=1-0-0


Highlights Gather Poetry online gathering
Tuesday, April 1, 2025 7:00-8:00 pm EST
Learn more and RSVP here: https://www.highlightsfoundation.org/workshop/free-hfgather-celebrate-national-poetry-month/


Bear Creek K-8 Author Night with Jolene Gutiérrez
9601 W Dartmouth Pl, Lakewood, CO 80227
Wednesday, April 2, 2025, 4:30-5:30

Writing Barn Poems of Possibility online program
Monday, March 3, 2025 11:00am -12:00 pm MST
Register here: https://thewritingbarn.com/class/free-poetry-reading-for-if-i-could-choose-a-best-day-poems-of-possibility/ 

Mamiachi and Me Book Launch and Family Storytime!

When: January 4 at 11:00 am
Where: Second Star to the Right,1455 S Pearl St, Denver, CO 80210 

A Family Storytime that is truly a Family Storytime. Second Star to the Right is excited to kick off 2025 in celebration of the new book, Mamiachi & Me by local authors, and mother and son: Jolene Gutiérrez and Dakota Gutiérrez. They will be joined by Shaian Gutiérrez, Jolene's daughter and Dakota's sister, to also read The Ofrenda That We Built (a 2024 release, written by Jolene and Shaian). We invite you and your family to join this magical storytime! 


Storytime with Jolene Gutiérrez: Mamiachi and Me

When: Saturday, January 11th, 2025, 10:30 AM- 11:00 AM

Where: The Bookies Bookstore, 2085 S Holly St, Denver, CO 80222

Join us at The Bookies for a special storytime with local author, Jolene Gutiérrez—author of Mamiachi and Me. Learn a little about the history of mariachi music and listen to Jolene read her new children's book.

Early Childhood Education Conference with the Early Childhood Council of Logan, Phillips, and Sedgwick counties:

When: January 25, 2025, 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Where: NJC E.S. French Hall
Jolene will be the lunchtime keynote speaker and will also be presenting about neurodiversity. 


Raíces Holiday Market
Sunday, December 8, 2024
11:00am-6:00pm
Join us for our Annual Holiday Market!
Come by from 11:00 to 6 pm to shop from our incredible network of artisans and vendors, all ready to help you check off items from Santa's list!
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1618643179067316/?_rdr 


Presenting at the National Council of Teachers of English
When: November 21-24
Where: Boston, MA
Jolene will be co-presenting The Heart to Head Connection: Using Illustrated Narrative Nonfiction to Give Hope to Readers Struggling with Informational Text with Beth Anderson, Carolee Dean, and Debbie Myers and signing books at the Latinx Kidlit Book Festival Booth:

Holiday event at Bookies Bookstore
When: November 16, 2024, 10:00 am MT
Where: 2085 S Holly St, Denver, CO 80222


Día de los Muertos Storytime at Castle Rock Library--RESCHEDULED FOR MAY 3!

When: November 9, 2024, 2:00 pm 
Where: 100 S Wilcox St, Castle Rock, CO 80104
Join Jolene for a Día de Muertos storytime and craft featuring her book THE OFRENDA THAT WE BUILT. Copies of her book will be sold by Castle Rock's independent bookstore, Sudden Fiction Books. Register here: https://go.dcl.org/event/11862896

Día de los Muertos Storytime at WOW! Children's Museum
When: November 2, 2024, 12:00 pm 
Where: 110 N Harrison Ave, Lafayette, CO 80026
Join Jolene for a Día de Muertos storytime featuring her book THE OFRENDA THAT WE BUILT! Copies of her book will be available! https://wowchildrensmuseum.org/news-events/calendar.html/event/2024/11/02/d-a-de-los-muertos-celebration/500011

Día de Muertos Storytime at the City of Thornton's annual Día de los Muertos Celebration
When: November 2, 2024, 3:00-5:00 pm
Where: McAllister Park Center, 750 W 96th Ave, Thornton, CO 80260
Join Jolene for a Día de Muertos storytime during the city’s annual Día de Muertos celebration! Other events include Monarchs from the Butterfly Pavilion, live music and dancing, vendors and food trucks, educational programs, and more! The entire celebration runs from 12:00-5:00 but Jolene will be at the celebration starting at 3:00.



Eco Cultura En Acción Día de Muertos Storytime
When: October 30, 2024, 6:00 pm 
Where: The Bug Theater, 3654 Navajo St, Denver, CO 80211
Join Jolene for a Día de Muertos storytime featuring her book THE OFRENDA THAT WE BUILT, a presentation about ofrendas, and a book signing amidst other Eco Cultura En Acción food, music, and festivities! RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/let-me-bug-you-eco-cultura-en-accion-tickets-1034572563387?aff=erelexpmlt

An Enchanting Storytime with Nyasha Williams & Jolene Gutiérrez
When: Saturday, October 26, 11:00 am
Where: Second Star to the Right,1455 S Pearl St, Denver, CO 80210 
Join us Saturday morning, October 26, for a storytime with two local authors, Jolene Gutiérrez and Nyasha Williams!
RSVP here: https://events.humanitix.com/an-enchanting-storytime-with-nyasha-williams-and-jolene-gutierrez


Día de Muertos Festival with Edgewater Collective 

Where: Jefferson Junior/Senior High School, 2305 Pierce St, Edgewater, CO 80214

When: October 26, 2024, 4:00-7:00 pm MT

As part of the festival, Jolene will be reading her book, The Ofrenda That We Built, and leading a papel picado-making craft. Copies of her book will be raffled at the festival and there will be copies available for purchase through 32nd Avenue Books. Learn more here: https://edgewaterecho.com/2024/10/dia-de-los-muertos-celebration-at-jefferson-junior-senior-high-school/


Tattered Cover, Stanley Marketplace KIDS store
Día de los Muertos Storytime
When: October 27, 2024, 2:00 pm MT
Where: Tattered Cover, Stanley Marketplace KIDS store, 2501 Dallas St Suite 144, Aurora, CO 80010


32nd Avenue Books, Toys, & Gifts
Book signing and Storytime with Jolene Gutiérrez during Highlands Neighborhood Harvest Fest
When: October 27, 2024, 3:00 pm 
Where: 32nd Avenue Books, Toys, & Gifts, 3633 W 32nd Ave, Denver, CO 80211
Please join us on Storytime on October 27 with Jolene Gutiérrez, a Colorado author.
Come with your costume and enjoy time with the author and an activity for Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead. Learn more and order your copy here:
https://32ndavenuebooks.indiecommerce.com/event/book-signing-and-storytime-jolene-gutierrez

Highlights Foundation Research Tips and Techniques: A Two-Night Mini Class
When: October 22 and 24, 5:00-6:15 pm MST
Where: online, more information here
Join authors Stephanie Gibeault, Jolene Gutiérrez, and Anita Yasuda as they share the tools and strategies writers need to dig into research with confidence.



Colorado State University Office of Engagement and Extension, Northeast Regional Engagement Center 

When: October 17

Jolene will be touring schools in northeastern Colorado, signing books, and helping celebrate our community ofrenda!


Old Firehouse Books, Fort Collins
Día de los Muertos Storytime
https://fb.me/e/3ZbGJ9xyD
When: October 13, 2024, 10:30 am MT
Where: Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St, Fort Collins, CO 



September 21, 2024, 2:00-4:00 pm MST
Belmar branch, Jefferson County Public Library
Colorado Author Showcase: Local Author Presentations and Sales

When: September 21, 2024, 2:00-4:00 pm MST
Where: Belmar branch, Jefferson County Public Library, 555 S Allison Pkwy, Lakewood, CO 80226

Join local authors who write for readers of all ages as we share information about ourselves and our books. Books will be available for purchase. Learn more here.

September 16, 2024, 4:00 pm MST
Belmar branch, Jefferson County Public Library
Living Presence: Day of the Dead Ofrendas with Jolene Gutiérrez


September 14, 2024
Virtual Author Visit


September 9, 2024
Keys to Successful Writing Partnerships

August 10, 2024
THE OFRENDA THAT WE BUILT! Storytime at The Bookies

When: Saturday, August 10, 10:30 am

Where: The Bookies Bookstore, 2085 South Holly Street, Denver, CO 80222 

Join Jolene Gutiérrez for storytime as we learn more about the Day of the Dead and celebrate ofrendas with this cumulative family story, THE OFRENDA THAT WE BUILT! More information here: https://thebookies.com/events/361520240810


August 9, 2024
Instagram LIVE Book Birthday celebration with Highlights Foundation! Find the video and blog post here: https://www.highlightsfoundation.org/2024/08/12/celebrating-a-book-birthday-with-jolene-and-shaian-gutierrez/


August 3, 2024
Book Launch for THE OFRENDA THAT WE BUILT! at Second Star

When: Saturday, August 3, 11:00 am
Where: Second Star to the Right,1455 S Pearl St, Denver, CO 80210 


Join Jolene Gutiérrez for a book launch party and storytime as we learn more about the Day of the Dead and celebrate ofrendas with this cumulative family story, THE OFRENDA THAT WE BUILT! Please RSVP here. 


July 24 and 30, 2024

Present classes for students in 4 different countries in Africa through the Village Voices/Village Scholars/Village Libraries program.

July 20, 2024
Reading with the Rabbits!
With Leona and Leona's rabbits from their Youtube Channel, Reading with the Rabbits: https://www.youtube.com/@readingwiththerabbits 
When: Saturday, July 20 from 9:00 am-10:30 am
Where: Colorado Tap House, 14982 W 69th Ave, Arvada, CO 80007

I'll be sharing Too Much! An Overwhelming Day. There will also be other read-alouds and fun activities!


July 15 and 17, 2024
Author visits with four Scholars Unlimited summer programs


July 13, 2024
PICTURE BOOK PARTY!
When: Saturday, July 13, 11:00 am
Where: Second Star to the Right,1455 S Pearl St, Denver, CO 80210 
Join kidlit creators Jamie Siebrase, Brittany Cicchese, Carmela Coyle, and Jolene Gutiérrez for this amazing story- and craft-filled Picture Book Party! Please RSVP here. 


June 8, 2024
Lyons Library Lit Fest: Celebrate the Power and Importance of Books, Storytelling and Community

When: Saturday, June 8, 10:00am
Where: Lyons Community Library, 451 4th Avenue, Lyons, CO 80540
Keynote speakers, writing workshops, author meet-and-greets, crafts and more! To celebrate the power and importance of books, storytelling and community. 






May 4, 2024

WOW! Children's Museum Book Festival with books provided by The Read Queen Bookstore & Cafe.

WHEN: Saturday, May 4, 1pm - 4pm (I'll be there from 1:00-2:30 and I'll be sharing TOO MUCH! AN OVERWHELMING DAY and we'll be fingerprinting with yogurt)
WHERE: WOW! Children’s Museum, 110 N Harrison Avenue, Lafayette

December 2023
Too Much! An Overwhelming Day has been named one of Bookstagang's Best Books of 2023 and received Bookstagang's Community award for Best Conversation Starter. It's also been named one of Imagination Soup's Best Books of 2023! 

August through November, 2023

Click on the image for clickable RSVP links (when available) to each of the following events. I can't wait to see you at one or more of these venues to celebrate my beautiful new picture book, TOO MUCH! An Overwhelming Day:

Updated Too Much! clickable PDF


Too Much! clickable PDF


August 12-13 and 19-20, 2023

Join Stephanie Gibeault, Anita Yasuda, Jacqui Lipton, Feather Flores, and me as we teach a Research Intensive through Highlights Foundation.


August 10, 2023
Storytime at Wow! Children's Museum

August 8, 2023
Storytime at The Bookies!





August 5, 2023
The official TOO MUCH! An Overwhelming Day book launch! Join us at Second Star to the Right with occupational therapists from STAR Institute. Click below to get your free ticket to attend!




May 8 & 10, 2023
Join Stephanie Gibeault, Anita Yasuda, and me as we teach Rock Your Research & Proposals through Highlights Foundation. 



April 15, 2023
I'll be presenting at the International Reading Association's Reading in the City conference with Carolee Dean and Beth Anderson. Our session title is “Using Narratives as a Bridge to Informational Text.”


February 7, 2023--Community Love of Reading Event!
I was able to present to students and their families and the district offered 30 copies of my book Bionic Beasts to kids attending.






January 3, 2023--You May Contribute a Verse Podcast

December 10, 2022--Craft fair/book signing at the Aspen PK-8 School with my friend Laura Roettiger.
October 1, 2022--I presented at the Castle Rock Writers' Conference. 

June 28, 2022--We announced the book deal for Shaian's and my book The Ofrenda That We Built.

May 19, 2022--We announced the book deal for my book Too Much! An Overwhelming Day.

March 2022--North Carolina Reading Association's teaching STEAM in classrooms panel.

February 2022--Presented with the Rocky Mountain Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators at CCIRA. 

November 2021--Second Star to the Right bookstore's Book Bash panel on the intersectionality between nonfiction and science fiction.
 
September 2021--Presented to the Columbus Council of the North Carolina Reading Association on using STEAM, SEL, and music to offer learning opportunities to students.

August 2021--My name was added to Teaching Books' audio name pronunciation site!
July 2021--Featured on Maria Marshall's blog with my KidLit Collective book group
May 25, 2021--Featured on Shoutout Colorado

March 31, 2021--Featured on Lydia Lukidis's blog discussing the song that Annie Lynn and I created, Space Creator

March 19, 2021--Virtual presentation for students in Texas schools during their "Literature and Lunch" program.

January 27, 2021--Featured on Andrew Hacket's "The Backstory" sharing the stories behind Mac and Cheese and the Personal Space Invader and Bionic Beasts.

December 18, 2020--Featured on Kate Narita's Chalk + Ink podcast!

December 5, 2020--Part of Children's Book Academy Picture Book Palooza Social Justice Panel 

November 15, 2020--Bionic Beast book launch with Second Star to the Right Books
October 6, 2020--Bionic Beast's book birthday! 

Fall 2020--Featured on Jedlie's Reading With Your Kids podcast! 

Bionic Beasts Blog tour/promotion:


August 18, 2020--Detroit Writer's Room presentation

August 11, 2020--Mac and Cheese and the Personal Space Invader book launch with Second Star to the Right Books

August 11, 2020--Featured on Voyage Denver.

August 11, 2020--Mac and Cheese's book birthday!


February 7, 2020--Presented "Transform Literacy Experiences by Partnering with Authors" at CCIRA with Beth Anderson and Laura Roettiger.
2019--Lots of news in 2019! I received a contract from Clear Fork/Spork for my picture book Mac and Cheese and the Personal Space Invader (to be published in 2020) and a contract from Millbrook Press for my middle-grade nonfiction book Bionic Beasts: Saving Lives with Artificial Flippers, Legs, and Beaks. I also received a scholarship to attend Highlights' Nuts and Bolts of Science Writing workshop with my Millbrook Press editor, Carol Hinz. What an amazing year!

 July 14, 2018--Submitting my Original Judo Brothers 1964 manuscript, I received the Cynthia Levinson scholarship to The Writing Barn's Complete Picture Book Biography Intensive! Here's what Cynthia had to say: "Based on the potential for your manuscript and your seriousness of purpose, I am delighted to award you a scholarship to attend the class on nonfiction picture books at The Writing Barn. I hope this intensive experience will give you the boost you need to take your work to the next level and, ultimately, share your story with readers."

March 27, 2018--I received the Yuyi Morales scholarship to the Children's Book Academy Craft & Business of Writing Children's Picture Books, and wow, the Children's Book Academy class was such a wonderful learning and growth opportunity!


January 31, 2018--I was selected as Stacy McAnulty's mentee in the BeckyTara Books Writing with the Stars contest! UPDATE FROM JUNE 7, 2018--Stacy has been such an amazing mentor. Read my update here.
December 14, 2017--One of my nonfiction picture book manuscripts was chosen as a finalist in the We Need Diverse Books Mentorship program.

 July 17-23, 2016--I attended the Highlights Summer Writing Camp in beautiful Honesdale, Pennsylvania and was able to work with amazing teachers like Kathy Erskine, Jan Cheripko, Susan Campbell Bartoletti, Lamar Giles, Jillian Sullivan, Alison Green Myers, Clara Gillow Clark, Peter Jacobi, and my mentor Mitali Perkins. I learned so much and made wonderful connections with the other attendees, too. I'm sure we'll see many of their books in print soon!
Mitali Perkins and Jolene
February 17, 2016--Winding Oak interviewed me for their online BOOKOLOGY magazine--here's their blurb about it: We love these middle school librarians who approach their work with gusto and creativity and dedication. Meet Jolene Gutiérrez from Denver Academy: http://bit.ly/1opKApK


February 27, 2014--The Stuart Middle School Library's Raptor Writing program invited me back this year. I'm excited to see the kids again!


April 25, 2013--Presented at the Stuart Middle School Library's Raptor Writing Workshop--met some amazing young writers!
June 16, 2012--Videos posted from my author visit to Caliche Junior/Senior High School--check them out!



 April 3, 2012--Visit the Vamps, Weres and Cassay blog to read my post about writing for reluctant readers, for a chance to win a signed copy of my book, AND Cassay will donate $1 to the Alberta Special Olympics for every comment left!

March 23, 2012--Journal Advocate ran an article about my author visit to Caliche Junior/Senior High School.



February 1, 2012--My book and I are being featured on Denver Academy's newly redesigned website!


January 14, 2012--Author Interview on the Books & Writing blog


October 2, 2011--Author Interview and Book Giveaway on Live to Read
September 20, 2011--Book review on Live to Read 


September 9, 2011--Book review on Books Complete Me
BooksCompleteMe

August 24, 2011--Book review on Vamps, Weres, and Cassay OH My!

July, 2011--Created a Facebook author page. I'd love it if you'd "Like" my page! ;)
Author Jolene Gutierrez



July 4, 2011--Author interview on iLive, iLaugh, iLove Books 



June, 2011--Finished designing my bookmarks!

May 28, 2011--Author Interview @ Annette's Book Spot

Annette's Book Spot
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)