Have you ever had the opportunity to spend a day with a favorite author? For kids–and many parents, teachers, and librarians–meeting these talented and creative artists is an unforgettable experience that forever bonds readers with books. It also opens up long-range possibilities for our kids who are naturally attracted to writing and drawing. “You mean I could become an author someday?”
The 10th annual Children’s Festival of the Book will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at the Bozeman Public Library from 9am to 5pm. This year we are bringing to Bozeman two award-winning authors and illustrators: Grace Lin and Jarrett Krosoczka. Both authors talk a lot about what they were like as kids and what has helped them become the talented artists they are today. They will present programs for younger kids in the morning and older readers in the afternoon.
Grace Lin, raised in upstate New York, writes about Asian American experiences in both her beautifully illustrated picture books and her lovely middle grade novels, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon (Newbery Honor), Starry Rivers of the Sky, When the Sea Turned to Silver and more. Grace talks about writing in ways that are both mirrors and windows. Asian children can see reflections of themselves in her books, and other children can see inside to a world of rich Asian culture and storytelling.
Jarrett Krosoczka was raised by his grandparents in Massachusetts and loved to draw from an early age. He was able to pursue his art by hard work and support from his grandparents and teachers. Jarrett is also a very funny guy, and is the author of the Lunch Lady series, Platypus Police Squad series, many picture books, and most recently, two books in the Jedi Academy series. His books have won the Children’s Choice Award 2010 and 2011, many state book awards, and other accolades.
We are fortunate once again to welcome our own Kent Davis, author of the Riddle in Ruby series for middle-grade readers. The third in his trilogy, The Last Unravel, is the epic conclusion to the adventures of Ruby Teach and her compatriots. Copies of all three books, as well as books by Grace Lin and Jarrett Krosoczka, will be on sale by Country Bookshelf, and authors will be available to sign their books.
Again, local authors Michele Corriel and Janet Fox will present a writing workshop at 9am. Participants in the writing and illustration contests will receive awards at 1:15pm. And we always end the day with a panel discussion with all three featured authors at 4pm. See the schedule attached for details about the day’s events. All programs are free and open to the public; OPI credits are available.
