An exciting new event for children, parents and anyone who loves children's literature is coming to the greater Sheboygan area this fall. The first annual Sheboygan Children's Book Festival, October 15-17, will bring exceptional children's book authors and illustrators to the community for a celebration of books, reading, writing and art.
"The Sheboygan Children's Book Festival will provide opportunities for children and adults to connect with successful, creative authors and illustrators and become inspired by their works and experiences," said Karin Menzer, youth services manager at Mead Public Library. Mead Public Library will host a number of author/illustrator presentations and workshops during the festival.
The children's book festival, which includes the grand opening celebration for Bookworm Gardens, will be part of the John Michael Kohler Arts Center's /Sheboygan Shindig/, October 15-21. The /Sheboygan Shindig/ is an arts and literary extravaganza that will feature the opening of the major exhibition, /Animal Instinct/, plus entertainment, live animals, art-making workshops, special tours and symposia and more.
Some of the outstanding and award-winning authors and illustrators scheduled to take part in the festival are: Avi, the author of more than 70 books for children, including the /Poppy/ series and /The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle/; Kathi Appelt, whose books include /The Underneath, Keeper,/ and the /Bubba and Beau/ picture books; and Wisconsin's own Lois Ehlert, much-loved author and illustrator of colorful and inventive nature-themed books for young children, including /Waiting for Wings, Planting a Rainbow, /and her newest book, /Lots of Spots/. Humorous poet and illustrator Calef Brown (/Polkabats and Octopus Slacks/, /Flamingoes on the Roof: Poems and Paintings)/ and Madison author/illustrator David McLimans (/Gone Wild: An Endangered Animal Alphabet /and /Gone Fishing: Ocean Life by the Numbers) /are also among the notable authors and illustrators who are scheduled to participate.
"We are thrilled to welcome the Sheboygan Children's Book Festival to Wisconsin's literary stage. The Festival will engage young readers, encourage their love of books and cultivate the habit of families reading together and sharing stories," said Alison Jones Chaim, Director of the Wisconsin Book Festival, a program of the Wisconsin Humanities Council.
The Sheboygan Children's Book Festival is being planned and presented by community members and local organizations that support reading and the visual and literary arts. Partners include the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, Mead Public Library, Bookworm Gardens, University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan, Next Chapter Bookshop in Mequon, Eastern Shores Library System, the Sheboygan Area and Kohler school districts, and the Family Resource Center of Sheboygan County.
The book festival is supported by donations, sponsorships and grants. All book festival events will be free and open to the public. "The Sheboygan Children's Book Festival will offer children and teens the rare opportunity to meet and talk directly with some of the best children's book creators in the country," said Jo Ann Dent, co-chair of the organizing committee. "Donations of any size are welcome and allow this wonderful opportunity to be available to all children and families."
Visit the website for more information. Author and illustrator biographies, book lists, and the event schedule will be updated as new information is announced. Visitors to the site can sign up for email updates or make a donation.
The Sheboygan Children's Book Festival is funded in part by a grant from the Wisconsin Humanities Council, with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the State of Wisconsin. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this project do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities. The Wisconsin Humanities Council supports public programs that engage the people of Wisconsin in the exploration of human cultures, ideas and values.
The Sheboygan Shindig is supported in part by a Joint Effort Marketing grant from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, the Wisconsin Arts Board, and the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.
No comments:
Post a Comment