'Friends Beyond Measure: A Story Told With Infographics': Storytime with Children's Book Author Lalena Fisher

Tomfoolery Toys & Books will host a storytime event with Lalena Fisher, author-illustrator of innovative children’s picture book Friends Beyond Measure: A Story Told With Infographics (HarperKids.

Friends Beyond Measure tells the story of Harwin and Ana, who draws charts, graphs and maps to help process her feelings. The result is a colorful, accessible and fun tale that ingeniously crosses social-emotional learning with STEM. The book has received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, The Horn Book, and School Library Journal.

Future Tomfoolery owner Carol Fariss (far left) at the 9th birthday party of future author-illustrator Lalena Fisher (center).

Lalena grew up in Meyerland, and attended area public schools including Kolter Elementary and Bellaire High, ultimately graduating from the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. Lalena is a childhood friend of Tomfoolery owner Carol Staley. 

Lalena served as an editorial artist at The Houston Chronicle after earning a journalism degree at UT-Austin. Then she flew away to New York City, where she earned a Master of Fine Arts from Pratt Institute and went on to design for the children’s TV shows Blue’s Clues and The Wonder Pets. Most recently, she spent several years as a graphics contributor for The New York Times. 

On Sat., Sept. 23, 11 a.m., Lalena will read Friends Beyond Measure, lead an activity, and sign books.