Friday, November 21, 2014

2014 UCONN Children's Book Fair

From left: Stephanie Robinson, Florence Minor, Jessica Haight, Barbara McClintock, Wendell Minor, Judy Schachner
We had an amazing time at the 2014 Children's Book Fair! It was wonderful to see everyone excited about books and interested in learning about the creative forces behind them. The day was packed with inspiration, enough for any bookworm to feast!
This week our theme has been children's picture books, and today we're whisking you away, right to their source... Bon Appetit!
  
 A few highlights from the book fair...
It's always such a pleasure to hear Barbara McClintock speak. Her work has a measure of quality that is rarely seen, and the attention to detail can't help but bring the scenes to life. Her illustrations wrap around the words like magic, telling the story through a lens of imagination.We were happy for the chance to listen to her talk about her journey becoming a children's book illustrator, which is unbelievable! We'll be featuring Ms. McClintock's latest children's books Where's Mommy and My Grandfather's Coat in December, so be sure to check back. For those of you interested in learning how to become a children's book illustrator, you won't want to miss out on this exclusive peek into the life of a brilliant artist and a lovely person. 
My Grandfather's Coat 
From left: Anika Denise, Stephanie Robinson, Christopher Denise 
It was awesome to meet Anika and Christopher Denise. This married couple can really set the scene. Anika is the writer and Christopher is the illustrator. As a team, they collaborate beautifully, entwining a world of stories that will warm your heart. 
We're excited to be featuring this dynamic duo in December, so be sure to check back for an exclusive look into their studio, and find out how the magic is sewn together. We'll be giving away signed hardcover copies of Bella and Stella Come Home and Baking Day at Grandma's.    


The campus was buzzing with creativity and the quiet energy only a room full of books can bring. We saw many new titles that we can't wait to read, and our TBR list grew exponentially!
From left: Jessica Haight, Chris Grabenstein, Stephanie Robinson
We also met up with the animated Chris Grabenstein, author of Mr Lemoncello's Library. It was so much fun to learn about the inspiration behind this incredible library, and the eccentric billionaire responsible for its creation. Mr. Grabenstein did an amazing job reading, and we enjoyed listening to his characters come to life. 
We'll be hosting Chris Grabenstein in December and giving away a signed hardcover of Mr. Lemoncello's Library. 

Books everywhere! 
From left: Nora Raleigh Baskin, Stephanie Robinson 

 One of the highlights of the day was listening to Nora Raleigh Baskin talk about her journey to publication. We both took a lot away from this presentation, as Ms. Baskin's open honesty and personable nature shined through. Her formula for success made a lot of sense, especially the B.I.S (butt in seat) part! 
We're looking forward to chatting with Nora Raleigh Baskin in January, and we'll be giving away a signed hardcover copy of Anything But Typical.  
We heard Sunday was a madhouse when the author of this diary popped in.
From left: Anna Dewdney, Stephanie Robinson 
We also had the pleasure of chatting with Anna Dewdney, author of the llama llama books. This author and illustrator is lovely, and we enjoyed hearing about the sounds llamas make. These books are so cute, you won't want to put them down! 

From left: Jessica Haight, Kevin Sherry, Stephanie Robinson 
It was very cool to meet Kevin Sherry, author of the The Yeti Files. This author and illustrator is such a fun character, and we enjoyed watching him change into a yeti and sing!  
From left: Stephanie Robinson, Natalie Lloyd 
We were lucky enough to bump into Natalie Lloyd, who told us about her middle grade book A Snicker of Magic, which we both cannot wait to read. This creative story takes word play to a whole new level, and we're excited to see where the adventure goes. Ms. Lloyd was charming, and she did a wonderful job reading and telling us about her adorable dog, Biscuit. We're looking forward to learning more about her character, Felicity Pickle, and we'll be sure to share our thoughts with you!
A great time was had by all, and we look forward to attending the Children's Book Fair next year

To find out when we'll be featuring these talented authors and illustrators sign up for our monthly newsletter
Happy reading!



Check out our other visits to the UCONN Children's Book Fair, and experience the magic!

2011
2012
2013





Posted by DMS at 5:00:00 AM

38 comments:

  1. Felicity Grace TerryNovember 21, 2014 at 9:02 AM

    Sounds like another fun, interesting and informative event. Something I dream of attending.

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    1. DMSNovember 26, 2014 at 7:13 PM

      Tracy- We had a blast! :) ~Stephanie and Jess

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  2. BarbaraNovember 21, 2014 at 11:46 AM

    What a brilliant day and a host of interesting books. I'm looking forward to hearing more about some of them.
    Have a super weekend.

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    1. DMSNovember 26, 2014 at 7:14 PM

      Barbara- We look forward to telling you about the books! We have a variety of reviews and interviews coming up. Happy weekend to you, too! :) ~Stephanie and Jess

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  3. https://booksthoughtsadventures.comNovember 21, 2014 at 1:30 PM

    OMG! Love the photos and the stories! What fun! You both look awesome!

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    1. DMSNovember 26, 2014 at 7:14 PM

      Thanks so much, Patty! We had such a great time and met so many wonderful authors. :) ~Stephanie and Jess

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  4. Elephant's ChildNovember 21, 2014 at 2:14 PM

    How I wish I could have been there. I still love childrens' books, still read childrens' books, still covet rather a lot more...

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    1. DMSNovember 26, 2014 at 7:15 PM

      Elephant's Child- We love children's books too! Such fun to be in a place with so many books, writers, and readers. :) ~Stephanie and Jess

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  5. Caryn CaldwellNovember 21, 2014 at 4:46 PM

    Wow! That looks like so much fun! So wish I could have been there. Glad you enjoyed yourself!

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    1. DMSNovember 26, 2014 at 7:16 PM

      Caryn- We had a great time and it was exciting to meet so many authors. Tons of fun! :) ~Stephanie and Jess

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  6. UnknownNovember 22, 2014 at 9:36 AM

    OMG! That looks like so much fun! I loved all the pics. Ms. McClintock is a fabulous illustrator. The Llama costume is awesome! :)

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    1. DMSNovember 26, 2014 at 7:16 PM

      Lexa- We adore Barbara and will be spotlighting her work on our blog soon. We agree with you that she is a fabulous illustrator! So talented. :) ~Stephanie and Jess

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  7. UnknownNovember 22, 2014 at 11:57 AM

    Wow, it looks like so much fun! I'd have had trouble not buying one of each book.

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    1. DMSNovember 26, 2014 at 7:20 PM

      Donna- It was hard to hold back, but we bought as many as we could. :) ~Stephanie and Jess

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  8. Vanessa MorganNovember 22, 2014 at 12:45 PM

    Book fairs are the best. I still read children's books occasionally.

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    1. DMSNovember 26, 2014 at 7:20 PM

      Vanessa- Love, love, love book fairs. So much fun! :) ~Stephanie and Jess

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  9. SuzeNovember 22, 2014 at 3:09 PM

    How purrrrfectly wonderful.

    Great pic of you, Jess, with all your pals at the very top of the post! Love that sweater. :)

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    1. DMSNovember 26, 2014 at 7:21 PM

      Thanks, Suze! My sweater is so cozy, but it was a little hot at the fair. :) ~Jess

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  10. Julie SNovember 22, 2014 at 8:49 PM

    What a fun book fair :) I haven't been to any children's book fairs, but I've gone to teen fairs and adult fairs and they are fun fun fun :)

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    1. DMSNovember 26, 2014 at 7:22 PM

      Julie- We try to go to any book fairs we hear of because they are so much fun. Haven't ever been to a teen one- yet. :) ~Stephanie and Jess

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  11. Meradeth HoustonNovember 23, 2014 at 12:48 PM

    Oh my goodness that looks like a great time! I can't wait to hear about your book finds!!

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    1. DMSNovember 26, 2014 at 7:23 PM

      Meradeth- It was a great time and we can't wait to share our book finds with all of you. :) ~Stephanie and Jess

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  12. Stephanie FarisNovember 23, 2014 at 1:42 PM

    How fun! You guys are so inspirational in your book networking and marketing work. I think every writer could learn from both of you! There's something about being at a conference, surrounded by other children's writers! You just feel at home.

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    1. DMSNovember 26, 2014 at 7:24 PM

      Stephanie- You are so kind! Thanks so much for the nice things you said. :) We love to be surrounded by other writers and meeting other people who write for children is an added bonus! You are right- it does feel like home. :) ~Stephanie and Jess

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  13. Kelly HashwayNovember 23, 2014 at 2:21 PM

    Looks like you had a blast!

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  14. Kimberly @ Caffeinated ReviewerNovember 23, 2014 at 2:30 PM

    Oh sounds like such fun. I am starting a new monthly feature in February called Nonna's Corner and will begin reviewing books for infants and toddlers and slowly progress.

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    1. DMSNovember 26, 2014 at 7:25 PM

      Kimba- What a lovely idea! Can't wait to hear about the books you share in Nonna's Corner! :) ~Stephanie and Jess

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  15. The Armchair SquidNovember 23, 2014 at 4:39 PM

    Looks like a most fruitful adventure!

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    1. DMSNovember 26, 2014 at 7:19 PM

      The Armchair Squid- It was! :) ~Stephanie and Jess

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  16. Gaby GNovember 23, 2014 at 7:58 PM

    Sounds fun!!! so many books

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    1. DMSNovember 26, 2014 at 7:19 PM

      Gaby- It was! Books, books, and more books. :) ~Stephanie and Jess

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  17. Robyn CampbellNovember 24, 2014 at 12:34 AM

    You guys look so happy and look at all the books. WOWEEEE!! I wish I could have been there. Love, love, love your picture, Jess.

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    1. DMSNovember 26, 2014 at 7:18 PM

      Robyn- We had so much fun and it was amazing to be surrounded by so many books. Wish you could have been there too! Thanks, Robyn!! :) ~Jess

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  18. PetraNovember 24, 2014 at 6:19 AM

    When I see posts about all the different fairs and cons, I wish America weren't so far away! :)

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    1. DMSNovember 26, 2014 at 7:18 PM

      Petra- We wish it was closer for you! We would love to see you at one. :) ~Stephanie and Jess

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  19. Molly MortensenNovember 24, 2014 at 12:52 PM

    I bet it's fun to be around children's authors. :) I love the llama!

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    1. DMSNovember 26, 2014 at 7:17 PM

      Molly- The llama was a big hit! We had a blast being surrounded by so many children's authors. :) ~Stephanie and Jess

      Delete

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