Welcome to
This spot is dedicated to kids and gourds, which go together like peanut butter and jelly. Check back for lots more of the good stuff!
Vivalina's Gourd-a-Palooza
Sunday, September 6, 2026
2:00 - 4:30pm
Ithaca Children's Garden
Come celebrate the release of the NEW children's book, Vivalina Grows a Gourd on Sunday, September 6th, 2:00-4:30 pm, at the Ithaca Children's Garden in Ithaca, NY!
Create a gourd snout, and strut about! Partake of exotic snacks, enjoy the music, learn a bit, and generally have a very gourd time. In the end, the new picture book from Gourdlandia, Vivalina Grows A Gourd, will be launched in style.
Open a gourd! Scrape it, color it, drill holes (nostrils!), add a string. This is a party for makers, young and old. Music by the Bike Bar Band (Sam Schmidt, Richie Stearns, Joe Hayward and Pete Thompson). Samosas, spring rolls, and other delicious treats by the local Karen-Burmese community (donations will support a school in a remote Burmese village). A smidgen of speechifying, a song or two, and the gourds will be thoroughly extolled!
If you enjoy gourds on parade, you will certainly enjoy Vivalina's Gourd-a-Palooza, with or without a youngster in tow.
Will we see you there?! Please let us know by RSVPing via the form below. Registration is not required, but appreciated to help us plan! Thank you!
Available on September 6th!
Vivalina Grows A Gourd is a children's picture book about a particularly creative vole, Vivalina, and her adventures in growing herself a one-of-a-kind studio. It is written by Graham Ottoson with illustrations by Sue Brightly.
About the Book
Vivalina is a creative little vole, a real maker, who can't find a safe place to work. In addition to a satisfying conclusion, the book has an eccentric aunt, and twins that can be found on each page. There’s also a guide to growing and crafting gourds, for all the young DIY-ers.
Are you a kid who likes to make? You know, stuff!... all kinds of things… out of paper, or yarn, or acorns? Are you gourd-curious?
Well this book is for you!
While You're Waiting...
Scroll down to enjoy some articles with gourd growing tips AND to sign up for updates (just a few!) about when Vivalina Grows A Gourd will be published!
Media & Press Kit
Everything you need for stories, reviews, and event features.
Title:
Vivalina Grows a Gourd!
Release Date:
September 6, 2026
Published By:
Gourdlandia
Softcover ISBN:
979-8-9967576-3-3
Hardcover ISBN:
979-8-9967576-8-8
Retail:
$10-$18
Trim Size:
8.5x8.5"
Page Count:
36
Ages:
4 to 14
About the Author & Illustrator
Graham Ottoson - AUTHOR
Graham is the Empress of Gourdlandia, in Ithaca, NY, where she grows gourds and turns them into lamps and boxes and things.
Sue Brightly - ILLUSTRATOR
Sue is a graphic designer, painter of peculiar animals, and terrible but enthusiastic gardener based in Ithaca, NY.
Press Contact
For interview requests, review copies, or visit inquiries:
Graham Ottoson
E-Mail: graham.ottoson@gmail.com
Gourd Growing Tips
Start here and learn how to plant those seeds and care for your baby gourd plants!
More articles to come soon....
Let's Grow a Gourd!
Be the first to hear when Vivalina Grows A Gourd is published!
And, stay tuned for another opportunity to receive FREE gourd seeds!
We'll only send a few "sprouts" of news - no spam, just gourds!