EVENT: OU Festival of Books to feature children's
literature
DATE: Oct. 24, Meacham Auditorium, Oklahoma Memorial Union, Norman
The excitement of children's literature will be shared with teachers, librarians, parents and the public during the 23rd annual Mildred Laughlin Festival of Books for Young People, Thursday, Oct. 24 on the University of Oklahoma's Norman campus. This year's festival, sponsored by the OU School of Library and Information Studies, will include award-winning children's authors Steven Kellogg, Cynthia DeFelice and Paul Janeczko.
Kellogg, a critically and popularly acclaimed author and
illustrator of more than 100 books for young people, will give a slide-presentation
titled "Drawing Words and Writing With Pictures." The Essex,
N.Y., resident is well known for energetic characters and exuberant humor,
both exemplified in his tall tales and Pinkerton stories. Frequently listed
on children's choice awards, he writes and illustrates to bring children
a sense of fun and a sense of literature. Among his most recent works
is A Penguin Pup for
Pinkerton.
Jeneczko, from Hebron, Maine, will present "The Possibilities
of Poetry," An author, poet and editor of more than 30 titles for
young readers, he engages young people's interest through creative formatting
and humor. His most recent books include Stone Bench in an Empty Park,
A Poke in the I: A Collection of Concrete Poems and Dirty Laundry Pile.
He has also written Favorite Poetry Lessons, an instructional book for
teachers, and How to Write Poetry, a guide for young writers.
DeFelice, who lives in Geneva, N.Y., is a storyteller and the author of
outstanding novels and picture books for young people. Her novels, including
Weasel and The Apprenticeship of Lucas Whitaker, are frequently nominated,
and win, children's choice awards. Among her newest books is The Real,
True Dulcie Campbell, a picture book.
"The goal of the festival is to give adults a sense of excitement about sharing literature with young people," Kathy Latrobe, festival coordinator and professor of library and information studies, said. "The festival's founder, Mildred Laughlin, often said 'children's enthusiasm for literature grows over the years when adults share with them an enthusiasm for their literature'."
The festival will be held in Meacham Auditorium in Oklahoma Memorial Union, 900 Asp Ave. Registration is $40 if received before Oct. 17 and $45 if received after that date. The fee include all sessions and a coffee hour. An optional luncheon featuring storytelling by John Hinkle is $15. For further information or registration, call the OU School of Library and Information Studies at (405) 325-3921 or e-mail shardy@ou.edu.