Renowned children’s author David L. Harrison will speak at two back-to-back events in Springfield promoting his new book, “This Life: An Autobiography.” The memoir was published in December 2022 by the Ozarks Studies Institute, an initiative of the MSU Libraries.

The Springfield Greene County Library will host David Harrison for an author talk and signing at 7 p.m. Jan. 12 in the auditorium of The Library Center, located at 4653 S. Campbell Avenue in Springfield.

Pagination Bookshop will also host Harrison for a book reading and signing at 6 p.m. Jan. 13. The bookshop is located at 1150 E. Walnut St. in Springfield. Both events are free and open to the public.

About the book

In “This Life,” Springfield native David L. Harrison brings readers along on his journey to becoming a successful children’s author of over 100 books. From Missouri to Arizona to Kansas, all the way across the globe to Malaysia, and spanning from the World War II era through 9/11 and on to the present, “This Life” chronicles the fits and starts, professional rejections and redirections, the inevitable personal life conflicts and tragedies, as well as the breakthroughs and triumphs in a career that has spanned seven decades…and is still going. The book is perfect for aspiring authors and fans of Harrison’s work, as well as anyone who enjoys a tale of hard work, perseverance, and the joy of following dreams.

Where to buy

“This Life: An Autobiography” is available for sale online and in-person at the Duane G. Meyer Library on the Missouri State University campus in Springfield. The book will also be available for purchase at the author’s events Jan. 12 and 13.

More on the author

David Harrison is an American children’s author who has written over 100 books of poetry, fiction and nonfiction for young people and teachers. His work has appeared in more than 200 anthologies and has been translated into more than a dozen languages worldwide. He completed his undergraduate studies at Drury University in 1959 and his graduate work with honors in science at Emory University in 1960. He resides in Springfield with his wife, Sandy, a former high school counselor and businesswoman. They have two children together.