THE LOUISIANA BOOK FESTIVAL WELCOMES YOUNG READERS

Thursday, 25 October 2018 07:06
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What Young Readers and Families Can Expect at the 15th Annual Louisiana Book Festival

 BATON ROUGE, La.– The Louisiana Book Festival is thrilled to announce an exciting line-up of activities and programs for young people from toddlers to teens as it celebrates 15 years as the Pelican State’s premier literary event. The festival, to be held on Saturday, November 10, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. in Baton Rouge’s Capitol Park, will feature author talks and book signings, a special Teen Headquarters, storytellers, games, crafts, face painting, balloon animals, live musical performances, and special appearances by Curious George and Clifford the Big Red Dog. As always, the festival is free and open to the public.

 “The Louisiana Book Festival gives the young people of our state an extraordinary opportunity to meet, listen to, interact with, and have their favorite books signed and personalized by some of the most popular and renowned children’s and young adult authors from across the country,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “Best of all, the book festival will hopefully inspire the next generation of great Louisiana writers.”

 “Literacy rates are a critical indicator of the economic, cultural, and overall health of any community,” said State Librarian Rebecca Hamilton. “The Louisiana Book Festival not only offers an entertaining festival experience for families of all ages, but is a fantastic enrichment opportunity that motivates young people to become life-long readers. Whether you are coming to see your favorite author, or to discover your next great read, the Louisiana Book Festival is a must for your family fall calendar!”

 The festival is excited to welcome back the 2017 Louisiana Writer Award recipient and Louisiana native, Johnette Downing. Other authors featured at this year’s festival include The New York Timesbestselling author, poet, and Coretta Scott King and Caldecott honor recipient Carole Boston Weatherford with her Walter award winning picture book, Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library; Newbery honor winner Rita Williams-Garcia with her National Book Award finalist chapter book Clayton Byrd Goes Underground; The New York Times bestselling young adult authors Justina Ireland, Karen McManus, Joelle Charbonneau, and New Orleans’ own Daniel José Older; Louisiana Young Readers’ Choice selection and  NAACP Image Award winner Gwendolyn Hooks with her picture book biography Tiny Stitches: The Life of Medical Pioneer Vivien Thomas; and Academy Award and Golden Globe nominated actress and Louisiana native Quvenzhané Wallis with her latest series, Shai & Emmie, along with many others.

 Louisiana native William Joyce, children’s author, illustrator, and Academy Award winning filmmaker, will be in attendance to sign books and present a program on Jack Frost: The End Becomes the Beginning, available for the first time at the festival before its official publication date. Joyce is also the creator of this year’s festival artwork, which depicts his beloved character Mr. Morris Lessmore with his fantastic flying books floating over the State Capitol and is featured on festival merchandise.

 Celebrated, bestselling author and artist Svetlana Chamakova, winner of the Louisiana Young Readers’ Choice award for her graphic novel, Awkward, will be honored and give a presentation at noon in the State Library, followed by a book signing at the Barnes and Noble bookselling tent.

 For a full list of authors and schedule, please visit www.LouisianaBookFestival.org.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Rebecca Hamilton
State Library of Louisiana
225.342.4923
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Julio Guichard/Bill Sherman
Office of the Lieutenant Governor
225.342.7009
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