I’ve had such an amazing spring, and I yearn to blog about all the events I got to attend… but grandbabies and writing take priority over blogging. Instead, some photos, with thanks to all the wonderful folks who hosted me, and especially to the young readers I had the privilege of meeting.
APRIL: Texas Library Association annual conference, Houston
I got to participate on a panel moderated by Cynthia Alaniz (left), with Kathi Appelt, Katherine Applegate, Joan Bauer, and Kirby Larson. We had so much fun! Many thanks to HarperCollins for sponsoring my appearance there, especially Abby Ranger and Patty Rosati.
SCBWI Wild Wild Midwest Conference, Naperville IL
…where I got to meet Jennifer Black Reinhardt, illustrator of YAKS YAK! Do we look happy or what!??
The fun, hardworking, and attentive members of my Novel Revision workshop.
And something incredible happened at the conference, which I’ve already blogged about here. Publishers Weekly wrote about it, too!
MAY: People’s Light Theater, Malvern PA, and Philadelphia area
Children’s Book World in Haverford hosted me for a presentation and signing. Above, I’m signing a book for author Deb Heiligman’s nephew, with Deb’s brother at left!
People’s Light Theater Company in Malvern were staging a stunning production of A SINGLE SHARD, screenplay by Robert Schenkkan, directed by Seema Sueko. Here, Marcie Bramucci, the theater’s Director of Community Investment, who took care of me during my visit, stands in front of the lobby display. The trip was a busy one, with a very full schedule, and not only did Marcie see to it that everything ran smoothly, she bent over backwards to make sure I had every last thing I needed. THANK YOU, MARCIE!
With some of the cast members: Greg Watanabe (Kang), Jeanne Sakata (Ajima), and Thom Sesma (Min).
With more of the cast and crew.
Backstage: props.
After the performance: talkback with the cast!
Look at me, sitting between Tree-ear and Crane-man!
Several children’s-book friends came to see an evening performance with me, including David Wiesner, Jen Bryant, and Margo Rabb. A few days later, Matt Phelan (illustrator of XANDER’S PANDA PARTY, and creator of many other books) brought his daughter Nora to a matinee.
I can’t say enough about how wonderful the production is–and it’s playing until May 29! If you’re anywhere nearby, go see it, and tell everyone I said hi!
The schedule of events associated with the play included three library visits. At Philadelphia Free Library, Wyoming branch, I signed books for students who came by bus to hear me speak.
Showing slides of celadon pottery.
At Chester County Library in Exton, librarian Jeanne Clancy (right) and her staff provided a cake and book giveaways!
At Abington Free Library with librarian Carolyn Dubois. This event was co-sponsored by the Society of Young Korean-Americans…
…founded by Michael Choe. From left, Ji Hyun An, Michael, and his mom. 🙂
Jamestown NY: I spoke at the Robert H. Jackson Center for Social Justice, as part of their Young Readers program, about A LONG WALK TO WATER.
With the Center’s executive director Susan Murphy (left) and the three winners of the Young Readers program essay contest.
The Reg Lenna theater in Jamestown, starting to fill up with some of the 1,200 students who came to hear me speak.
With students outside the theater.
Brighton (NY) Memorial Library annual staff & volunteer dinner: I was honored to be the keynote speaker this year.
With BML teen and children’s staff. My peeps!
With more BML staff members. I LOVE LIBRARIANS!
Aurora NY: the Anne Frank Sapling Project annual dinner
Do you know about the Anne Frank Sapling Project? I didn’t before, but now I do, and I’m so glad!
Thirteen locations throughout the U.S. were chosen to receive a sapling–including Southern Cayuga Central School in rural upstate New York. I was humbled and delighted to speak there, where the local project committee had sponsored an all-community read of A LONG WALK TO WATER.
I couldn’t think of a better way to finish out my spring travels.
