Decatur Book Festival 2012

Labor Day weekend brings one of my favorite events of the year - the Decatur Book Festival! Held in downtown Decatur, thousands of book lovers unite for two days to celebrate books. I especially love hearing and meeting the authors at the children's stage. This year, I made the trip with two media specialist friends. We met all of the authors below.  In addition, we attended a panel discussion about the importance of picture books led by children's book historian Leonard Marcus with Mac Barnett, Chris Raschka, and Laurel Snyder.

Kevin Henkes led the opening parade with Lilly from Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse. He read his new book, Penny and Her Doll.

Patrick McDonnell was next. He signed The Monsters' Monster for me!

Karma Wilson's new book is Bear Says Thanks.

Peter Brown read from his new book Creepy Carrots (written by Aaron Reynolds).

Jarrett Krosoczka is the author of some of my students' favorite graphic novels: the Lunch Lady series. He signed Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute for my son.

Mac Barnett discussed the process of publishing a book. He is hilarious!

I can't wait to read Joan Holub's Goddess Girl books!

Author Shannon Hale, author of Princess Academy, told funny stories of doing interviews to promote her books.

Rebecca Stead had great advice for young writers. She told kids they aren't going to receive a letter like Harry Potter did, telling them what they are going to be. She was a lawyer until just a few years ago!  So kids should pursue their interests, including writing. I'm reading her new book Liar and Spy right now, and I love it!

Three hot and tired media specialists, ready for dinner at the Brick Store Pub! We can't wait for next year!