READING RUMPUS EVENT…

Meet our second author whose book, “Trucker Kid” will be performed by Open Book Players for the Reading Rumpus event on September 22nd, 2:00 p.m. at Johnson Hall Opera House in Gardiner…CAROL GORDON EKSTER and illustrator RUSS COX

Carol Gordon Ekster was a passionate fourth-grade teacher for 35 years and started writing picture books near the end of that career. She loved having students respond to her stories and share in her journey to becoming an author. Carol loves biking, yoga, and playing with her grandson when she is not writing. She has never ridden in a truck but hopes to one day.

Russ Cox was raised by hillbillies in the backwoods of Tennessee. Without many modern conveniences, like a television or running water, he spent his time drawing, whittling, and throwing dirt clods at his cousins. With the bulk of his life spent in Pennsylvania, he met his wife; became a graphic designer; played in punk, alternative, and surf bands; had two kids; and started his own illustration studio, Smiling Otis Studio. Russ creates his art digitally and traditionally. He lives in Maine with his wife and three cats.