Due to a significant printing delay, this event has been canceled. There is a possibility that the event might be rescheduled for later in the year. Please check back for more information. You can still pre-order a signed copy of Call Me Calvin through the link at the bottom of this page.
Join us for a Meet and Greet with Mary Vander Plas, author of the new children’s book Call Me Calvin, and UVA basketball player Ben Vander Plas. Both Mary and Ben Vander Plas will be signing copies of Call Me Calvin and will be available to meet and take photos with fans. This event will be open to the public.
About the Book: Ever since Calvin was born, he’s been Dad’s “Little Man.” At first, Calvin liked the special nickname the two of them shared. But now that he’s getting older, Calvin doesn’t feel big and strong like Dad. One afternoon while playing in the yard, Calvin discovers that maybe that’s okay. He’s Calvin, and that’s exactly who he should be.
About Mary Vander Plas: Mary Vander Plas is a picture book author who currently resides in Charlottesville. She began learning the craft of writing for children in 2017 when she and her husband became empty nesters. In the last several years, Mary has fully immersed herself in the writing community and has participated in many writing-related conferences, classes, and workshops. She is a member of several professional writing organizations. She holds degrees in psychology and human development and has worked with children in various educational settings. In her free time, she enjoys reading, paddle boarding, and fishing in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin. But most of all, she loves spending time with her kids and grandkids. Call Me Calvin is her debut picture book.
About Ben Vander Plas: Ben Vander Plas joined the 2022–23 Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball team as a graduate transfer from Ohio University. While at Ohio, Ben earned an undergraduate degree in communication studies, a master of science in management, and a master of sports administration. He is a two-time selection to the CoSIDA Academic All-America Division 1 Men’s Basketball Team and was named the 2020–21 Men’s Division 1 Academic All-America Team Member of the Year. Ben grew up in Wisconsin, and though he sometimes misses the snow, he’s thoroughly enjoying the warm, welcoming city of Charlottesville.
Call Me Calvin will be released on April 1. To order the book, please see below for the New Dominion Bookshop book order form or call the shop at 434-295-2552.
"A touching read that will speak to all little ones longing to be big."
—Kirkus Reviews
New Dominion Bookshop Book Order Form
Shop local and support your community bookstore! Order books from New Dominion Bookshop by filling out the contact form below. Please make sure that you list the book title(s) that you would like to order. We will give you a call when your order is ready. If you are placing a pre-order for a book that has not yet been released, your book will be ready on or soon after the book’s release date. There is no need to pre-pay. We will collect your payment when you pick up your order or when your order is shipped. If you would like your book(s) to be signed and/or inscribed, please include that information in the “Message for Our Booksellers” field.
Ben Vander Plas Photo Credit: UVA Athletics