I was so happy Canary in the Coal Mine got to represent West Virginia at the National Book Festival this weekend in the Pavilion of States. Here’s a breakdown in pictures.
Me with my canary.
Authors Wendy Shang and Kathy Erskine
Me with Kathy Erskine. Yay, Virginia authors!
The librarians gave away 7 cases of these bird whistles, which worked exceptionally well for little pieces of plastic. (Add water to make them work.)
- With Meg Medina and AB Westrick, organizers of Teen ’13 in Richmond. Meg represented Virginia at the book festival with Tia Isa Wants a Car. Anne just published Brotherhood.
Kathy in the spirit with these book earrings
Not great light but great librarians: Hannah Wilkes, Suzy McGinley, Susan and Elizabeth stamped and stood and talked books all day.
Canary in the Coal Mine. Miner's hat made of duct tape, half a hackey sack, and LED. He was often mistaken for a chicken or a duck. Or, to quote the younger kids, DUCKY!
When it's raining at the end of the day, the table skirt offers protection AND lets Hannah and Suzy make a bold fashion statement.
And now for some words:
During breaks I saw:
Jon Klassen: Deadpan, humble, hilarious.
Matt and Jennifer Holm: Energetic, chock full of contagious enthusiasm. We have a Babymouse fan in the house, but everyone re-upped when we learned: Matt loves Star Wars, Jenni’s husband designs video games, Jenni’s favorite book growing up was The Black Cauldron.
Monica Brown and Rafael Lopez: Fun, fluid and fabulous.
Best tables at the Pavilion of States (besides West Virginia, of course): Utah! Because the librarian there knew the owner of the restaurant that was last featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. And because they gave away salt. And New York. Because it had Rocco Staino.
Thanks, Jama!
Wow, looks like a fabulous time. So happy for you and that Canary 🙂 . . .
Thanks for the kind words, Annie and Minha! Sorry I missed the two of you, too.
Madelyn – Overjoyed for you! You have earned it and deserve the best! Visited the Book Festival on Sunday and sorry we missed seeing you! Wishing you success with your new book and looking forward to more to come! xox Minha
I’m so sorry we missed you and the Pavilion of the States (the best part of the National Book Festival). Were about to head out the door when the skies opened up. But did you see the canary (or yellow bird, anyway) on the official poster?? I’m calling it Bitty. Congratulations again!