Meet local author Karen Schaufeld as she reads from her collection of children’s stories, including The Lollipop Tree, Larry and Bob, How to Eat a Peach, and her most recent work, Vultures, A Love Story. Her books, which include fantastic illustrations by Kurt Schwarz, impart valuable life lessons and are fun for kids and adults alike. Q&A and book signing with Karen and Kurt to follow the reading. Books will be available for purchase. Suggested for audiences aged five and up.

Karen Schaufeld is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, lawyer and award-winning author. The path to becoming an author began in Karen’s youth. In the second grade, she was diagnosed with scarlet fever and was isolated in her room for two weeks during her recovery. Her only entertainment consisted of books and television stories, some of which were fascinating but probably inappropriate for her age. Those two weeks are remembered as one of the happiest times in her childhood–the ability to live in a world of imagination, stories and dreams.

Karen describes the development of her books as “the exhausting process of holding a story that lives in your mind until you are forced to put it on paper.” She published her first children’s book, The Lollipop Tree, in 2013, followed by Larry and Bob (2016) and How to Eat a Peach (2019). Vultures, A Love Story, released in 2022, is her fourth children’s book.

Karen earned a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Government from Lehigh University. She received a Juris Doctorate at George Washington University in 1987. One of her favorite English professors at Lehigh gave her poor marks because her interpretation of the author’s intent was limited in scope. We may not know the author’s purpose, but what she learned was that the reader brings themselves to any story. The reader’s past experiences or point of reference shape what a reader may take from the book. She pens her stories with the excitement of all the meanings her readers will take from her books. She also feels it is essential to use more advanced vocabulary than is typically seen in most children’s books.  When children hear these words read aloud, they develop better language skills.  Sharing these stories for others to read to their children reminds Karen of fond memories reading to her own children when they were young.

Kurt Schwarz is a realist painter specializing in portraiture, still life, and landscape. His skill in capturing the complex nature of his subjects has contributed to his reputation of being one of Virginia’s finest artists. Kurt’s career highlights include six solo exhibitions and publication in fine art magazines, including international publication, The American Artist. 

Vultures, A Love Story
Little Igor (eye-gore), a vulture, was born with a limp and an unusual feather sticking up from his otherwise bald head. This tale is about appreciating our differences and our skills and recognizing that we all deserve love.

Larry and Bob (a 2022 Global Book Award Winner)
Larry and Bob is a beautiful story of a unique friendship between a Bald Eagle and a Smallmouth Bass. In the midst of their everyday lives, Larry and Bob meet one fateful day that will change them both. Larry and Bob is an exciting story that will keep readers intrigued about what will happen next.

How to Eat a Peach (Winner of a 2021 Moonbeam Children’s Book Award and a 2021 Pinnacle Book Achievement Award)
How much would you do to follow your passion?  Squirrel’s only passion is peaches, and a farmer and a wall stand between him and his goal.  This suspenseful fable is a tale of determination and an unexpected change of heart.

The Lollipop Tree (a 2022 Global Book Award Winner)
Follow us on the exciting journey of a strong and proud little tree!  Once remarked upon for her tall stature and growing limbs, an incredible storm leaves her scarred and the tree must fight all odds to regain the strength and beauty once marveled at by passersby. The Lollipop Tree is a beautiful and unusual story that young readers will come to love through seasons of change.

Times: Doors open at 12:30 PM and events starts at 1 PM.

Ticket Prices & Info:  Admission to this show is free, but we encourage attendees to RSVP in advance.

Tickets may be reserved in advance either online (see below) or by calling the Barns of Rose Hill Box Office at (540) 955-2004 (Noon to 3:00 – Tuesday through Saturday). If you call when our Box Office is closed, please leave a message and we’ll return your call within 24 business hours. All sales are final. Exceptions for special circumstances may be made no later than 24 hours prior to performance.

Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase the

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Are there any COVID restrictions?

Yes, we are following the CDC and Virginia state recommendations for public events

Where are you located?

We are located in downtown Berryville, Virginia between the Rose Hill Park and the Berryville-Clarke County Government Center / Clarke County Library. View Map & Directions »

Where do I park & is it free?

Free parking is available next door at the Berryville-Clarke County Government Center / Clarke County Library / Barns of Rose Hill parking lot. View Map & Directions For Details »