WILTON — The Wilton Free Public Library will welcome Chris Van Dusen, author and illustrator and 2009 Lupine Award winner for his picture book “Circus Ship,” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 14, as they follow “A Reading Roadmap Through Maine” this summer.

With stunning artwork and a rhyming text, the illustrator of the Mercy Watson books tells a tale of human-animal connection full of humor and heart. When a circus ship runs aground off the coast of Maine, the poor animals are left on their own to swim the chilly waters.

Staggering onto a nearby island, they soon win over the wary townspeople with their kind, courageous ways. So well do the critters blend in that when the greedy circus owner returns to claim them, villagers of all species conspire to outsmart the bloated blowhard.

Devaney, Doak and Garrett Booksellers will sell Van Dusen’s books at the event as there will be a book signing opportunity after the program.

For information about the summer reading program, call the library at 645-4831 or visit the website at www.wilton-free.lib.me.us.