I feel like I leveled up as an author recently. I got interviewed by a puppet! None other than Van of Austin Public Library’s The Van Show.
Me with Van of The Van Show at TLA 2019
I chatted with Van at the Texas Library Association convention in April about books, THE BOY, THE BOAT, AND THE BEAST, and zombie ants. So fun! The video will be ready soon and I’ll let you know when it’s live.
Then this past weekend I got to meet renowned author/illustrator Rosemary Wells, who has published many, many board books, picture books and chapter books, including the popular MAX & RUBY series.
Rosemary Wells was a guest speaker at the Austin Public Library’s inaugural Kids Block Party, held at the beautiful Central Library location. I was also a speaker at the event, along with authors Crystal Allen (THE MAGNIFICENT MYA TIBBS: SPIRIT WEEK SHOWDOWN) and Jessica Lee Anderson (UNCERTAIN SUMMER) and author/illustrators Emma Virján (WHAT THIS STORY NEEDS IS A VROOM AND A ZOOM) and Don Tate (STRONG AS SANDOW).
Austin Central Library Kids Block Party panel with Don Tate, Emma Virjan, Jessica Lee Anderson and me!
Jessica, Emma, Don and myself did a panel where we answered librarian and audience questions about writing, books and more. The library also gave away copies of our books, which we all signed. I also put a bookmark and sticker in each of mine. There’s a picture of me signing the copies of THE BOY, THE BOAT, AND THE BEAST at the Austin Central Library the day before the event on my Instagram account. And yes, that is a Van Show t-shirt I’m wearing. 🙂
The Kids Block Party had our author events, as well as music, yoga, crafts and more. One of the highlights for me was seeing a boy sitting to the side of a table surrounded by children doing crafts. The boy wasn’t interested in the crafts, though. He was nose-deep in THE BOY, THE BOAT, AND THE BEAST. Seeing it brought tears to my eyes. That’s the best of an author’s life.
Around 3,000 people attended the Kids Block Party. Amazing for a first time event. I look forward to seeing it grow over the years.
Were you at the Kids Block Party? What did you think?
Meeting Rosemary Wells (2nd from l.) at the Austin Central Library Kids Block Party, with (L. to r.) Jessica Lee Anderson, Emma Virjan and Don Tate.
