March Into Reading (More Middle)

In addition to amazing librarians and inquisitive students, I met talented writers and illustrators at ‘March Into Reading’ last week. I’d like to tell you about them …


Gordon Morrison and Bob Marstall signing books on Saturday
Photo by Gloria Schmidt

Laura Gates-Galvin has written several books for young people, including titles in Smithsonian’s “Backyard” and “Let’s Go to the Zoo” series. I was able to chat with Laura a bit during our signing and found a kindred spirit: a mother and writer passionate about creating quality books for kids.

Todd Hampson and I managed to miss each other all weekend. (How did that happen?) But here is a link to his book site; I hope our paths will cross again.

Bob Marstall illustrated one of my favorite books: AN EXTRAORDINARY LIFE, The Story of a Monarch Butterfly. I am giddy about my newly-acquired, personalized copy … and about having Bob as a new friend and colleague.

Ralph Masiello, otherwise known as ‘The Icky Bug Man’, is a huge hit in my house. His DRAGON DRAWING BOOK is the latest craze around here. And his presentations, as you will here in my next post, are exceptional.

Gordon Morrison is a fellow Houghton author and I was happy to meet him, though I wish I had been able to spend more time with him. To make up for it I am spending some time with his books this week. More on them soon.

Did I mention that the librarians in charge of ‘March Into Reading’ cooked for us all weekend? Truly. We had a delightful and scrumptious lunch on Friday afternoon and more of the same at a Friday evening potluck; these relaxed moments gave us authors and illustrators and librarians time to get to know one another … and were just as special to me as the visits and signings.

Okay, y’all. The End is just around the corner …