Seen and Heard - AASL 2011

 Seen and Heard -- So much inspiration and ideas from the conference -- weather was cold in Minneapolis but the warmth of those attending captured the atmosphere and made the entire weekend friendly and productive.  First up was a few minutes with Anastasia Suen at the Capstone Breakfast (Thanks Capstone).  Anastasia is the author of more than 130 books.  One of her more recent titles includes: Road Work Ahead (Viking, 2011).  Great for those young girls and boys who want a book that shows BIG trucks and vehicles. It was nice to see Anastasia again.  Last time we were together we were at the Caldecott/Newbery Dinner together in New Orleans (July 2011).

 Later in the day, Carol Gorman, Jeni Reeves, Jacqueline Briggs Martin and I presented a 75 minute session titled, "How to Win Readers and Influence Writers."  Carol was able to provide some insight into her sports mystery novel, Stumptown Kid, and we followed up by sharing some ideas for connecting and engaging readers.  (Side note: When Carol arrived home she "found" that her Stumptown Kid had been reviewed and recommended by an ABC affiliate in New York State.  A great piece.)

 Toni Buzzeo an author of several picture books, including her newest title, Lighthouse Christmas, came to our session and stopped to talk to each of us after the presentation.  Here she is with Jackie Martin.
During the presentation, Jackie spoke of the research and background for Snowflake Bentley and The Chiru of High Tibet.  Check out Jackie's website and on her site is a link to her very interesting blog.

 And with ME --

 And with Carol...

Carol had to head home but the other three of our presentation panel headed to the Author, Author, Author booth for AASL and proceeded to autograph, hand out bookmarks and other "freebies."  Jeni had been able to give us great information about two books she had illustrated for Lerner's "History Speaks" series.  be sure to check out her many books on her site.
Several people stopped by and chatted about books and libraries, and more books.  Somehow I lost my photo of Rebecca Fjelland Davis, the author of the just released, Chasing Allie Cat.  But so that you would know what she looks like, I got this picture from her publisher's website.  So here she is along with the cover of her newest book.  Check it out on her website.

After talking with Becky for a bit it was time to leave the conference exhibits and make our way to the Lerner reception.  It was there that I was introduced to the author/book about the many faces of George Washington.  Found that she was presenting on Saturday.  I will be catching that session on Saturday.

Phyllis Root came from her home to downtown Minneapolis to join the three of us for dinner.  We ate at ... not sure where we ate.  But it was a couple blocks walk from the Hilton.  The three others ordered some "small plates' of food to share - me I was very content with a scrumptious pepperoni pizza.  I enjoyed meeting Phyllis.  I have long admired her work but had not ever met her in person.  You will for sure want to check out her Lilly and the Pirates (Boyd Mills, 2010).  Learn a little more about her by visiting her page on the Children's Literature Network.

Jeni, Jackie, and Phyllis posed for this photograph -- especially for this blog.  We had an enjoyable evening. 





And dinner brought the evening to a close.  I'll deal with the final days of the conference soon -- great sessions: one involving Graphic Novels, and another featuring the author and book about George Washington.