Sheboygan’s (and Wisconsin’s, I think) first-ever children’s book festival launched Friday night with a reception for Wisconsin authors and illustrators, continued through yesterday with presentations and workshops given by internationally-celebrated writers like James Dashner and Avi, as well as treasure trove of illustrators, such as Keiko Kazo and Matt McElligott (who’s also an author) — among many others. The festival concludes today with more Avi, Renee Graef and David McLimans as well as the grand opening of Bookworm Gardens, a fabulous space devoted to books and nature (gotta love that Japanese Tea Garden and the Magic School Bus).
Me, being a piker, I was privileged to be invited to the Friday night reception where I met Kathi Appelt (love the hair and see you in Minneapolis next week), Gerald Morris, Jo Ann Early Macken, Barbara Techel (and Frankie; what a cutie); Renee Graf sported this fabulous black gaucho that had me drooling with envy. (Yes, I am a shameless hat fan, have several and would wear them more often if I weren’t so blasted self-conscious and could live with hat head. Ilsa, you have to get over this aready . . .) I spent a very nice couple of hours meeting readers and talking to one aspiring writer; and I got to meet Lanora Hurley of Next Chapter Books down in Mequon. Sales of Draw went pretty well, and then Lanora had me sign the few remaining books–and I think they sold out yesterday (YAY!).
So, that was cool. But you know what was WAY cool? No, BEYOND cool? Listening to James Dashner. Meeting James Dashner. Shaking his hand. Giving him my card–and then my book and then signing it for him. Slay me, really. James–gosh, does he like James or Jim; I don’t know–is THE most laid-back, gracious guy: great with kids; a perceptive listener; a fine presenter. He really knows how to engage a crowd and I was definitely taking notes for the moment if and when I ever get to trade up for his problems. 🙂 Having read both TMR and now Scorch Trials, it was a privilege to meet and hear the writer behind the words, and I hope I get the chance to hang with him a bit more someday.
I also met one of my Goodreads fans and blogger, Erica, right after Dashner’s presentation. We had a too-short but fabulous chat; but now, Erica, time to get on those college apps! (NYU, watch out; this is one determined young lady.)
The good times lasted into the night with a special preview of the Kohler Arts Center’s Animal Instinct: Allegory, Allusion and Anthropomorphism exhibition. Among the artists in attendance were Tom Uttech, Casey Reardon Millard and Duane Slick (who did a VERY fun and funny sand-art presentation). The exhibition runs through June 5, 2011 and I know I’ll be back several times over. This has to be one of the best shows the KMAC’s ever mounted.
So . . . an exciting and fun weekend (so far). Monday–and time to buckle down and draft and write the next ASHES book (SHADOWS)–will come soon enough. But for today, more books, more celebration–and, yeah, probably some football and a nice, juicy brat (kosher, of course).
1 thought on “Sheboygan Children’s Book Festival”