Southern Kentucky Book Festival Part I

Hey everyone. The family and I are home safe and sound from our recent Bowling Green, Kentucky trip where I participated in my fifth Southern Kentucky Book Festival. I know I've said this more than once, but this festival is one of my all time favorites. Not only is it run well by the amazing
Sarah Volpi and her awesome volunteer staff, it is a place of unimaginable fun. A place where I catch up with literary friends, make new friends, engage with readers, and convince friends and random strangers to take lots of photos for me____lots!

This year I posed with some of my kidlit besties like Mark Wayne Adams author, illustrator, and owner of  a paper bow tie. Be sure to click on the link above and check out his long list of fabulous work.

Me, Mark, and accidental photo bomber and new friend Alisha Klapheke

And Debbie Dadey who reveled with delight along side me when we met the oh so famous and oh so nice Loren Long. Debbie, who I aspire to be like, with her hundreds of  Bailey School Kid and Mermaid Tail books.

Debbie Dadey, Loren Long, and Me

And of course no visit would be complete without advice from my girl MG author Gail Nall, a hug from my girl MG author Kristin O'Donnell Tubb, and a smile from my girl children's author JessicaYoung.

Debbie Dadey, Me, Gail Nall, and new friend Stephanie Faris

New friend Jennifer Maschari, Me, and Kristin O'Donnell Tubb

New friend and panel mate Holly Niner, Me, Jessica Young, and Gail Nall

You can't even imagine how much laughing goes on when I hang with these fabulous ladies and gents. I just wished laughing burned more calories, lol. If you've ever been to a book fair you know the plethora of books can be overwhelming, so I encourage you to check out the links I've provided and browse these authors wonderful books at your leisure.

Well, that about wraps it up for this week. Join me next week for SOKY part two, same crazy time, same crazy channel. Also be sure to drop by Literacy Musings Mondays for more great blogs as well as my personal website Fun With Aileen where you will find more on reading, writing, and my very own chapter and picture books. And finally, you can find me on twitter if you want an extremely brief glimpse into my days.

2017 Southern Kentucky Book Fest (Part 1)

If you can only attend one book festival in your life, the Southern Kentucky Book Festival in Bowling Green, KY is the one to shoot for. I have participated in this festival five times in the past seven years, and I must say I always leave feeling thoroughly satisfied. The festival organizers, volunteers, and Barnes and Noble staff all recognize me now and show such southern hospitality it should be bottled and sold!

It's also my opportunity to connect with my favorite author and illustrator friends and to make new friends.

Silly Selfie with Bestie Lori A. Moore!

Long time friend, silly guy, and mathematician Bruce Kessler!

Long time friend Middle Grade Author Gail Nall hijacking
R.L. Stine's name tag!

Brooks Benjamin fabulous teacher of important things
 and Middle Grade author!

Bestie Debbie Dadey famous author of
The Baily School Kids and Mermaid Tales!

Longtime friend Middle Grade author Kristin Tubb!

New friend debut author and fellow Ohioan
 Meghan Colvin!

It's Emily's chance to pick out a new book to read, and she usually picks an author she hasn't read yet. Last year she chose Paper Wishes by Lois Sephaban and this year she chose Tower of the Five Orders - The Shakespeare Mysteries by Deron Hicks. She also brings her sketch books to show our  friend author and illustrator Mark Wayne Adams.

And if you ever wondered what family members do while authors and illustrators are signing and schmoozing? Well Bobby and Emily go horse back riding at the Jesse James Riding Stables, they tree-top zip-line, they hang out at Chaney's Dairy Barn, and they eat tons of Krispy Kreme donuts!

Well, that about wraps it up for this week. Join me next week for another exciting episode, same crazy time, same crazy channel. Also be sure to drop by Literacy Musings Mondays for more great blogs as well as my personal website Fun With Aileen where you will find more on reading, writing, and my very own chapter and picture books. And finally, you can find me on twitter @AileenWStewart if you want an extremely brief glimpse into my days.