Ilyssa and Dave Kyu are the Philly-based creators of Campfire Stories. Each volume features tales made for sharing amongst friends and family, all connected to the diverse national parks across the United States.

The Kyus’ new series immerses readers in the lore of three of America’s most beloved natural spaces.

The Adirondacks, Cape Cod, and Chesapeake Bay are part story collection, part travel companion. 

Each book begins with an anthology of campfire stories: classic passages, original poetry, historical excerpts, fresh perspectives, treasured folk songs, and local myths. 

These tales are followed by a mini-guide to the area, featuring community-sourced recommendations for outdoor activities, cultural landmarks, and historical points of interest, as well as tips on traveling lightly and respectfully through these public lands. 

During their cozy evening event at H&H Books, Dave and Ilyssa will read short excerpts from their books, share more about their new series, and talk about how this project came to be. Books will be available for purchase, and a Q&A and book signing will follow. 

Registration is free and highly encouraged, as space is limited.

About the Authors:

Ilyssa Kyu is a design researcher focused on storytelling and creative solutions at the intersection of nature, design, and inclusion and the founder of Amble, a sabbatical program for creative professionals to take time away with purpose in support of nature conservancies.

Dave Kyu is a socially engaged artist, writer, and arts administrator. Born in Seoul, South Korea, and raised in the United States, he explores the creative tensions of identity, community, and public space in his work.