I was looking forward to listening to a few authors in particular: Sherman Alexie, Patricia and Frederick McKissack, and Gloria Jean Pinkney. I was not disappointed in any of their presentations.
The first session we attended was entitled "Two Award-Winning Picture Book Authors Present Their Latest Works : Gloria Jean Pinkney, Patricia McKissack." Basically, these two incredible authors discussed their writings and other fun facts, such as the book business, their backgrounds and their writing process. Mrs. Pinkney even sang a little! It was incredible.
We stopped by the book sale table and picked up some books and both ladies personalized and signed the copies. These books are now treasured additions to my library!
The second session we attended was entitled "Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out: Mary Brigid Barrett, Patricia McKissack, Fredrick McKissack, Lynda Johnson Robb." This book is a collection of works from 108 different children's authors and illustrators around the theme of the US White House throughout history. Each president that resided in the White House is represented in the book, along with an abundance of White House facts. The four contributors that were present read their submission to the book as well as some other parts as well.
I had purchased this book earlier in the day and each of the contributors present signed my copy on the page their story was located. What is especially special about this book is a project of the National Children's Book and Literary Alliance, a not-for-profit literacy organization created in 1997 by award-winning children's book authors and illustrators. The talent that participated in the book will forgo all royalties and that money will go back into the coalition for future endeavors. (Which is reason enough to go get a copy now, not to mention how utterly awesome this book is!)
Finally, we attended the session entitled "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian : Sherman Alexie" where Alexie shared this book. This was the event I had been looking most forward to as I had read this book over the summer and absolutely adored it! (My mom is even reading the book now as I type!)
Alexie was absolutely hilarious as he shared his experiences and the audience seemed to be enthralled the entire time he spoke. I had my books signed, which was totally awesome.
So, overall it was an amazing day. There was so much to see, so much to do! We only saw a small percentage of the authors who were sharing, but felt like we saw the ones that mattered most to us. I cannot wait to go next year!
My loot of the day:
Daniel and the Lord of the Lions by Gloria Jean Pinkney, illustrated by Robert Casilla. (Signed by the author!)
Goin' Someplace Special by Patricia McKissack, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. (Signed by the author!)
Our White House: Looking in Looking Out by various authors and illustrators. (Signed by four contributors!)
Flight by Sherman Alexie. (Signed by the author!)
We also got various bookmarks, postcards, and other fun things!
This is my copy of The Absolute True Diary of a Part Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, now signed by the author.
Hopefully, book reviews will be posted in the near future for books shown here today!
1 comment:
YAY! I'm so glad you had such a good time. It was great getting to hug you :)
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