CLN Books for Breakfast Recap

I hope you all enjoyed the weekend as much as I did! I’m not referring to the outcome of the Superbowl, I’m talking about a far more important annual tradition: Children’s Literature Network’s “Books for Breakfast.”

Tracy Nelson Maurer and I were invited to speak about our book, Storm Codes, to an audience of fellow authors, illustrators, media specialists, and other children’s book enthusiasts. I was very excited (and more than a bit nervous) for the opportunity to speak in front of children’s book legends like Caldecott Medalist Susan Marie Swanson, Newbery Honor winner Joyce Sidman, Debra Frasier, Lauren Stringer, David LaRochelle, and many, many other authors and illustrators. It was certainly more nerve-wracking than speaking to a classroom full of children! Fortunately, I was told we did a fine job.

Custom-made goodness! Photo by Tracy Nelson Maurer.

Since the event included a fine breakfast, we also had the opportunity to “host” a table. We dined and talked with several fine folks who appreciated all the work that went into Storm Codes, the themed gift bags and custom-made door prize, and the efforts of the event organizers. I love meeting new people!

Storm Codes-themed door prize, painted by me. Photo by Tracy Nelson Maurer.

Thanks so much to Steve and Vicki Palmquist of CLN for planning this great event! I left with full-blown “children’s book euphoria,” arguably one of the best feelings there is, and can hardly wait for next year’s Breakfast. If you’ll be in MN on February 4^th, 2012, be sure to mark the date on your calendar so you can join us.

CLN Books for Breakfast

The annual Children’s Literature Network Books for Breakfast event is coming up next weekend, and you are invited!

CLN Books for Breakfast
Date: Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011
Time: 9:00 a.m. to noon (doors open at 8:00 a.m.)
Place: Crowne Plaza Hotel Minneapolis West, 3131 Campus Drive, Plymouth, MN
Fee: $22; includes a breakfast option of your choice.

Several authors and illustrators will be in attendance to speak about books over a tasty meal. Author Tracy Nelson Maurer and I have been invited to speak this year about our book, Storm Codes.  We were there last year as part of the audience and had a great time. I’m excited for this opportunity, but also pretty nervous to speak in a room full of people I consider children’s book legends!

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the 2011 CLN Books for Breakfast page. Hurry, though: this event usually sells out so this may be your last chance! We hope to see you there!

Upcoming MN Children’s Book Events

Attention children’s book and YA writers, illustrators, librarians, readers and enthusiasts: you’re in luck if you live in or near the Twin Cities!  You wouldn’t believe how many awesome events are coming up this year for folks like us.  There is at least one children’s literature event nearly every month from now until October!  I’m very proud of my state for being so supportive of its talent!

Mark your calendars:

Saturday	February 17	8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.	Hubbs Children’s Literature Conference
Saturday	March 13	9 a.m. – 2 p.m.	Children’s Literature Network Publicity Workshop
Saturday	April 17	10 a.m. – 1 p.m.	Minnesota SCBWI Spring Workshop
Saturday	April 17	6:30pm – 9pm	Minnesota Book Awards Gala
Saturday	April 24	12 p.m. – 3 p.m.	Kerlan Award Luncheon and Lecture
Sat.-Sun.	May 1-2		The Loft’s Children’s and YA Literature Conference
Saturday	May 15	Details TBA	Minnesota SCBWI Spring Fling
Fri. – Sat.	May 21-22		Children’s Literature Network School Presentations Workshop
Saturday	June 12	10 a.m. – 1 p.m.	Minnesota SCBWI Summer Workshop
Mon.-Tues.	June 21-22		St. Cloud Children’s Literature Workshop
Saturday	July 10	10 a.m. – 2 p.m.	Minnesota SCBWI Summer Field Trip
Saturday	Sept. 11	12:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.	Anderson Center’s Celebration of Children’s Literature
Thurs. – Sun.	Sept. 30 – Oct. 3		Northwoods Children’s Book Conference and Writer Retreat
Not included (because we’ve not “officially” set our date yet): The Minnesota SCBWI Annual Conference.  This will take place sometime in September or October.

Please note that all of this information is subject to change.  Be sure to check out each event’s page often for the most accurate updates.

CLN Books and Breakfast Recap

As mentioned in my previous entry, I attended the annual “Books and Breakfast” event held by Children’s Literature Network on Saturday. It was nothing less than, as one volunteer put it, “a Golden Globes of Reading.” Over 40 children’s and YA book authors and illustrators made appearances that day, talking about their new releases, signing autographs, and entertaining an audience of over 200 people.

Of course, while in the presence of so much talent, I totally geeked out. I won't embellish on the embarrassing details, but let's just say I felt like a kid on Christmas morning.

I also splurged on several picture books. No e-book in a Kindle could ever match that feeling of holding a beautiful, autographed copy of a beloved children's book in my hands. For my niece, I just had to pick up a copy of On the Day You Were Born, which is the perfect gift for her. Thanks to all the kind and gracious authors who personalized their books for me!

Thanks to all the volunteers for organizing this awesome event! I had such a wonderful time and really hope to score another invitation next year!