The Island of the Skog and More!

As many of you know, the 2009 Children’s Book Festival is this Saturday at Monroe Community College. The RACWI group is trying to get the word out that "This wonderful family event gives children the opportunity to meet many award winning top children’s authors and illustrators.The festival has activities suitable for children of all ages including author and illustrator presentations, picture book readings, workshops, arts and crafts, the Read to Me dogs from Lollypop Farm, Star Wars costumers plus hundreds of books to browse in The Mall."

As I was Internet surfing during the final World Series game, I read about the events on KOA newsletter, a superb newsletter about the upcoming events for kid produced by Debra Ross, and I screamed with joy, "OMG!" I can't believe that I will have the pleasure of seeing Steven Kellogg! He was the first children's book author that I ever met! He came to my school, which is now Hope Hall in Gates, and illustrated on poster paper ISLAND OF THE SKOG for the audience, as he told the story from memory.

He wore a powder blue jacket and he seemed to have enjoyed himself. Of course he was young then, just like me. And I promised myself that someday I would be reading to kids too from beyond my classroom.

I befriended Steven. That is to say, I talked to him and wrote him. He wrote me a very long letter in handwriting about getting published. (Computers were not popular yet.) I have the letter in the archives. He also visited my school another time too, before it was closed in 1980.

I will be standing tall next to him for a photo opportunity on Saturday. I can’t wait to see him again and an amazing crowd (4,000+ strong!) of children’s book lovers. It's not back to the future, but it is back seeing a fantastic author and man, Steven Kellogg. Of course, that's him in the above photo and below. We all had more hair back then.

He wore a powder blue jacket and he seemed to have enjoyed himself. We were young then. And I promised myself that someday I would be reading to kids too from beyond my classroom.

I befriended Steven. That is to say, I talked to him and wrote him. He wrote me a very long letter in handwriting about getting published. (Computers were not popular yet.) I have the letter in the archives. He also visited my school another time too, before it was closed in 1980.

I will be standing tall next to him for a photo opportunity on Saturday. I can’t wait to see him again and an amazing crowd (4,000+ strong!) of children’s book lovers!!!

It feels terrific to have come full circle from teacher in awe of authors to being one at one of the best festivals in the country! I am very happy and thankful for that. I am grateful to many people for all of this.

That topic would make a good blog...