National Book Festival

Yes, it's raining out there. It seems like it's been raining for practically EVER, and it will continue through the weekend. The off-and-on prediction is sounding more and more like on-and-on, but it's the final weekend in September, so rain or shine, book lovers from all over will descend upon Washington, D.C.

The Library of Congress is hosting the 11th annual National Book Festival, my favorite Saturday of the whole year!

But wait! There's more!

This year marks the first year the festival is being extended to two days!

Two days of this:

Tomie dePaola - Strega Nona, anyone? From that classic to any other from his amazing collection, dePaola is a master when it comes to children's literature. Just to breathe the same air as him will be magnificent.

Tom Lichtenheld - hilarious illustrator extraordinaire, and one of our favorite contemporary picture book artists. Seriously, have you seen Shark vs. Train? The humor on every single page gets me every single time I read it with the kids. Just look at the list of the books he's illustrated, and you'll see a major collection of books that are beloved by my children.

Brian Selznick - How much did you love The Invention of Hugo Cabret? Honestly, it was just groundbreaking and unique, this cool meshing of a film, a picture book and a novel, and the story was simply beautiful. Sadly, we don't own a copy of this incredible book, and I'm hoping to make a trip to the book sale tent to rectify this tomorrow.

Katherine Paterson - Three words: Bridge to Terabithia. Enough said.










I could go on and on, but you can look at the Author List yourself, and I guarantee that you'll find some names that you recognize and love.

Why don't you meet us at Target tomorrow morning to buy some rain coats and boots, then brave the rain all in the name of love. Love of books!


Ready for some Festival fun,