Rutgers Geology Museum Celebrates Release of New Children’s Novel "My Friend Manny" with Community Book Launch Party
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ – May 9, 2026 – The Rutgers University Geology Museum (RUGM) is proud to announce the official release of its first children’s book, "My Friend Manny," with a public book release party on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 12 PM to 4 PM.
"My Friend Manny" is an interdisciplinary project written and illustrated by Rutgers University undergraduate students and museum staff. The story follows the journey of "Manny," the museum's iconic 11,000-year-old Mastodon fossil, from his life during the Ice Age to his discovery on a New Jersey farm and his eventual home at Rutgers. Written for children in grades K-3, the book combines scientific research on the Pleistocene era with archival data to educate young readers about fossilization, geology, and the museum's history.
Event Details:
- What: "My Friend Manny" Book Release Party
- When: Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 12 PM to 4 PM
- Where: Rutgers Geology Museum, New Brunswick, NJ
- Activities:
- Live book readings every 30 minutes.
- Hands-on activities, including custom button making and arts & crafts.
- Opportunities to purchase the book and exclusive Manny merchandise.
All proceeds from the sale of "My Friend Manny" will directly benefit museum education funding, supporting future outreach and educational programming for the community.