Such an honor

At the Georgia Children's Literature Conference I just attended, a group of students from Freedom to Grow UNschool (ages 6-12) presented a program called If You Give a Kid a Book by Barbara O'Connor!

They discussed their experiences studying my books, shared insights they gained from the books and suggestions for teachers interested in pursuing an author study in their classrooms. 

How cool is THAT!?

Here are some of their projects and activities:

I had Skyped with the students prior to the conference, but then I got to meet them in person. 

Here are some words I would use to describe them: smart, friendly, polite, funny, fun, enthusiastic, personable, and adorable.

Some of the students with teacher, Lora Smothers

More students

Thank you to the students and faculty of Freedom to Grow UNschool for that wonderful honor.

Georgia Children's Literature Conference

 I had the great pleasure of speaking at the 43rd Annual Georgia Children's Literature Conference in Athens, Georgia, this past weekend.

Nothing is more fun for a children's author than to be surrounded by others who share the same passion: children's literature.

Since a picture is worth a thousand words, what better way to share my experience there than through pictures?

It was great to arrive at the beautiful University of Georgia in Athens.

 

Some of the members of the Southern Breeze chapter of SCBWI were kind enough to host a wonderful dinner for me when I arrived in Athens. Lots of fun discussion about writing for children.

Author Donny Bailey Seagraves (right) arranged the dinner and was a terrific hostess.

The next morning I took a peek into the room where I would be speaking. Note to self: Don't do that.

With Jody Feldman, the winner of the Georgia Children's Book Award for her terrific book, The Gollywhopper Games

With Meghan McCarthy, winner of the Georgia Children's Picture Book Award for her adorable book, Aliens Are Coming

With Carol Boston Weatherford, the author of many amazing books for young readers, including Moses and Becoming Billy Holliday

With illustrator, Mike Wimmer, whose books include Flight and All the Places to Love

We signed and signed.

I even signed a copy of How to Steal a Dog that had been enjoyed by a dog.

We signed some more.

What a great time!

With the amazing Alyssa Hesselroth, conference coordinator. Thank you, Alyssa (and Tyler) for taking such good care of me and getting me to the airport on time.

And what would that conference have been without Jaye Thiel??!! Jaye, you are da bomb!

 Special thanks to Alyssa Hesselroth, Jaye Thiel, and Joel Taxel for making this such a wonderful experience.

P.S. More great pics coming thanks to the amazing students of Freedom to Grow UNschool