This week we're spotlighting the Connecticut Children's Book Fair. Here's part two of our exclusive coverage of the day. We were spellbound by all the books!
In case you missed it, here's part one of our visit.
Robbi Behr and Matthew Swanson
Illustrator/ Author team
Robbi Behr and Matthew Swanson are on the same team. This dynamic duo really knows how to collaborate. Robbi is the illustrator and Matthew is the author, and they're married! They work together to create art and stories. The first writing tip they gave us was brilliant, and simple— if you want to write or illustrate a book, do it. We definitely agree. Robbi and Matthew know how to take a project from concept to completion and deliver the story. They are a cool collaborating couple, and we're excited to read The Real McCoys.
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| Matthew Swanson, Stephanie Robinson, Robbi Behr |
Brenna Burns Yu
Author/ Illustrator
Brenna Burns Yu had an interesting presentation. We enjoyed hearing about some of the things that influenced Hazel and Twig's story. Brenna talked about how she and her school friend would create tiny worlds with tinsy clothes and homes for their paper characters when they were kids. Recently, she'd gone to visit this old friend, and her friend had found the actual artwork. She even had a mini- catalogue that they'd made, which featured various small paper fashions. Tiny things are fascinating for sure! The illustrations in The Birthday Fortune are delightful, and we're looking forward to reading the book.
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| Stephanie Robinson and Brenna Burns Yu |
Below are highlights from previous Connecticut Children's Book Fairs that we've attended.
—Click on the year to visit the post for book fair coverage
—Click on author names that are linked to read an interview
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2014
Barbara McClintock, Anika & Christopher Denise, Chris Grabenstein, Nora Raleigh Baskin, Kevin Sherry, Natalie Lloyd
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Barbara McClintock, Anika & Christopher Denise, Chris Grabenstein, Nora Raleigh Baskin, Kevin Sherry, Natalie Lloyd
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Pierre Collett-Derby, Tommy Greenwald, Pamela Zagarenski
Cynthia Lord, Wendell & Florence Minor, Jeanne Birdsall
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Jessica Haight & Stephanie Robinson are co-authors of the Fairday Morrow books. They have been friends since they met in English class in 9th grade. They enjoyed chatting about books then, and they still do. When they're not solving a mystery with the DMS, they keep up with the book buzz and help spread the news about stories they love.
"It's interesting to find out the story behind the story. There's so much that goes into the birth of a book, and it's fascinating to meet the faces behind the scenes. The Connecticut Children's Book Fair offers a great opportunity for readers, writers, and artists of all ages to connect with each other and talk about books." ~ Jessica Haight
Do it sure is the best advice. Only way it will ever get done.
ReplyDeleteSo true! :)
DeleteCool that couple works together to create the whole book.
ReplyDeleteAlex- We thought that was awesome too! :)
DeleteI love these !! sounds wonderful! have a nice weekend!
ReplyDeleteGloria- Glad you enjoyed learning about these books and authors. :)
DeleteHi Jess and Stepanie ... wonderful to see the story of your time at the CT children's book fair ... and to see the participants recent and from previous years - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary- It was fun strolling back through the years. Time really flies by! :)
DeleteWow! Looks like it was a great event!
ReplyDeleteSherry- We had a blast! :)
DeleteIt looks and sounds WONDERFUL. Hooray for writers and illustrators - who are my heroes.
ReplyDeleteEC- It was a fun event. We love writers and illustrators too. :)
DeleteLook at all those smiling faces. Sure sounds like you guys had a good time.
ReplyDeleteMary- We really did! :)
DeleteWow! What phenomenal info! I don't remember ever seeing one of these when I was a kid so many years ago, but what a great way to find out about such great books for kids and to meet the authors behind the scenes. Learned quite a bit including the Fairday Morrow books. Stay warm and thanks a bunch! Hugs...RO
ReplyDeleteRo- We wish we had known about these kinds of events when we were kids too. I do tell my students about bookish events all the time. :) ~Stephanie
DeleteI love the idea of creating tiny paper worlds, brings back memories of childhood, a nice slow pace compared to today's world. Nice fair wrap-up!
ReplyDeleteMarcia- We agree- the slower paces was much nicer. :)
DeleteLooks and sounds a brilliant event :)
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Jan- You betcha!
DeleteFascinating. The husband and wife team working together is so inspiring. The books all look exciting. And meeting all those authors sounds like fun. Great pictures, too.
ReplyDeleteBeverly- We always love meeting new authors and illustrators (and of course meeting up with those we've met before). Robbi and Matthew were definitely inspiring. :)
DeleteThis sounds such an amazing event for an author to attend!
ReplyDeleteNew Release Books- Definitely! :)
DeleteSuch an amazing event!!! I love, "Do It"!!! Excellent advice! Big Hugs!
ReplyDeleteMagic Love Crow- Isn't that great advice! :)
DeleteAw! I love the married coupe due.
ReplyDeleteHazel and Twig sounds so cute! I like the backstory behind it too. You never know where you'll get your inspiration even if it is you from the past!
Adriana- So true- inspiration can come from anywhere. The couple does a "Daily Minute" post every day on Instagram. :)
DeleteThis looked like such a fun book fair :D Wish I could get to go to some one day too, haha. Norway is too far away, lol. Thank you for sharing about it. <3
ReplyDeleteIt was awesome, Carina! We love going each year. :)
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