Hundreds Attend Ninth Celebration of Children's Literature

The Graduate School of Education's ninth annual Celebration of Children's Literature returned to Tolman Hall on Cal Day, Saturday, April 15. This free event featured appearances by top authors and illustrators of children's books, storytelling and concerts for kids, panel discussions on various aspects of children's literature, and children's art activities.

Joining the Celebration for the first time this year were the popular creators of Olive, the Other Reindeer and Mr. Lunch, J.otto Siebold and Vivian Walsh; Lucy Jane Bledsoe, author of The Big Bike Race and many other books for 8-12 year olds; Larry Dane Brimner, who has written numerous titles in the popular Rookie Readers and True Book series; poet Francisco Alarcón; and Elizabeth Partridge, author of Clara and the Hoodoo Man. Honored guests also included perennial favorite Robert San Souci, who signed copies of two brand-new books, The Secret of the Stones and Six Foolish Fishermen; folk singer José-Luis Orozco and illustrator Elisa Kleven, the creative team behind Diez Deditos and Other Play Rhymes and Action Songs from Latin America; and beloved storyteller/writer Steve Sanfield. Alma Flor Ada, well-known for The Adventures of Connie and Diego, also appeared, as did illustrator Mira Reisberg, and author/illustrator Doug Cushman.

The Celebration of Children's Literature is part of Cal Day, Berkeley's yearly campus open house. To be added to the mailing list to receive information about next year's event, please call (510) 642-0137.

Children's Literature