Last week, I was in New York for two really amazing events: BEA (Book Expo America) and the Kids Author Carnival.
BEA is a giant publishing trade show. This year, it was even better than ever before (at least for me) because the Disney*Hyperion booth was giving out advance copies of Hook’s Revenge!
This, right here, was the best part of the entire show:
Look what my kid scored @HeidiSchulz #BEA14 pic.twitter.com/xCpmqq0o7p
— Ella Schwartz (@ellaschwartz) May 31, 2014
I also had a great time connecting with friends, my wonderful agent, my amazing editor, and other Disney team members. But I took photos of almost none of it. (I really need to get better at that.)
On Saturday, I saw the culmination of the last few months of hard work. My dear friend Claire Legrand invited the lovely Lauren Magaziner (please do yourself a favor and read their amazing books) and me to help her plan the Kids Author Carnival. This event was modeled on the popular Teen Author Carnival, but focusing on middle-grade books.
Tonight at 6pm: @KidAuthCarnival! Say hi to your hosts @clairelegrand @HeidiSchulz @laurenmagaziner! #BEA14 #KAC14 pic.twitter.com/26CAENkM9o
— Brooks Sherman (@byobrooks) May 31, 2014
The stunningly beautiful Jefferson Market Library (it looks like Hogwarts!) hosted the event. After the library closed to the public, the doors opened for the carnival.
Claire, Lauren, and I had high hopes, but even we couldn’t have predicted what a wild success it would be. We had 37 fabulous middle grade authors playing charades and Pictionary, leading writing exercises, and sitting on Q&A sessions in front of a crowd of about 200 readers, mostly kids.
Readers everywhere & this is only 1/4 of crowd @jmarketlibrary for @KidAuthCarnival led by @clairelegrand pic.twitter.com/5fKzL4HjfU
— Marietta B Zacker (@AgentZacker) June 1, 2014
.@KidAuthCarnival There’s also charades (There’s Tim Federle!) w/ Team Harry Potter (!!!) participants! #BEA14 #KAC14 pic.twitter.com/2DqP1tS4us
— Alexa S. (@alexalovesbooks) May 31, 2014
I got to sit on and moderate a panel with Bruce Coville, Danette Vigilante, Josh Burk, Kate Milford, and Dan Poblocki. Secrets were shared, such as the number of notebooks in Kate’s bag that evening (nine) and how one of Bruce’s books actually saved a pair of children from a carjacker.
.@KidAuthCarnival Writing Q&A with Team Matilda (!!!) participants! So cool. #BEA14 pic.twitter.com/q7bQyRDp26
— Alexa S. (@alexalovesbooks) May 31, 2014
Authors, parents, kids, librarians, teachers, and the booksellers at the event have all expressed to us what a special experience it was. The night was truly magical. I can’t wait for next year!
You were at my library!! And I missed seeing you– and BEA, because I had six teens boys on a sleep away birthday. The shame. I bet it was great. Hogwarts for sure. I did a feature on Kidliterati with Librarian Rebecca. She’s great. Next year, my dear, I ‘ll be there. Hopefully you will too. 🙂
She is great! Yes! Next year, for sure!