Children's Literature Festival Brings Fans and Authors Together
Ever wondered what’s in the mind of the authors who create favorite children’s books such as “Duke, the Dairy Delight Dog,” or “The Man Who Loved Clowns?” You can find out at the 29th Annual Children’s Literature Festival of the Ozarks Friday (OCT 16) on the Missouri State University campus.
Writers Lisa Campbell Ernst (Duke) and June Ray Wood (Clowns) are just two of the 14 children’s book authors and illustrators who will talk about their craft and autograph their books that day. They’ll be joined by illustrator Brad Sneed as well as Cheryl Harness, an author and illustrator of 31 books and illustrator of another 13 books, and Patricia and Fredrick McKissack. Local favorites will be there too, like David Harrison and Veda Boyd Jones.
Morning sessions are full, but afternoon sessions at 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. are still available for adults and groups of students grades 4 to 8. Cost is $8 for adults and $2.50 for students.
Can’t attend a day session? Drop by from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Plaster Student Union Ballroom West for an autograph party and “author slam” planned at 6:45 p.m. The authors and illustrators will mix it up with readings and, yes, even a little “slam” entertainment.
"This is a unique opportunity for children (and readers of children's literature) to meet the authors and illustrators of terrific books and hear first hand about the writing process,” said Nancee Dahms-Stinson, Youth Services coordinator for the Springfield-Greene County Library District.
The event is sponsored by the Children’s Literature Festival Steering Committee and the MSU English Department.
For more information about the festival events and registration, call Karen Martin daytime at 523-7240, or Margaret Butler at 523-6640.
Kathleen O’Dell, community relations director for the Springfield-Greene County Library District, can be reached at kathleeno@thelibrary.org.
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