It is official. Children’s Authors are among the most talented, gracious, endearing people on the planet At least I can vouch for the four award winning authors that shared their latest titles with us at the Association of American Publishers Breakfast this morning.
Erin Entrada Kelly, this years Newbery Award winner, introduced us to her latest middle grade title, You Go First.
From sharing her personal story of taking refuge from a bully in her school library to her advocacy for the public library as the great equalizer, she was inspiring. “I am still enchanted every time I enter a library.”
Bob is the wonderful middle grade collaboration of Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass, despite the fact that Wendy is a “Devoted Plotter” and Rebecca is a “Devoted Plunger.” It was a delight to hear a bit about their 7 year(!) adventure from concept to revision.
Greg Pizzoli, a previous Geisel winner, touched everyone with a reading of his latest picture book This Story is for You.
The all shared a glimpse of the importance of school libraries to their younger selves. Who would have guessed that a remarkably high percentage of them were school library book thieves?!
It may still be cold in Philly today, but this glimpse into the process of a few of the brightest stars in Children’s publishing today warmed this librarian’s heart.
Rebecca Stead
Thank you so much for coming to breakfast, Tracee. I felt lucky to be there.