Event Date: Tuesday, October 18, from 8:30-1:30 at the RiverCenter in Davenport
Late Moline teacher and children's author David R. Collins hoped to help teachers inspire a love of reading and writing among children by exposing them to the writers and illustrators behind the books they read. Thus was born the Children's Literature Festival. Now, decades later, the Children's Literature Festival is still reaching out to area schools and their students. The latest chapter of the Festival, presented by the Bi-State Literacy Council, Davenport Public Library, and Midwest Writing Center, unfolds on Tuesday, October 18, from 8:30-1:30 at the RiverCenter in Davenport.
Quad Cities children in grades 3rd through 6th are invited to the Children’s Literature Festival to learn from an all-star lineup of authors, illustrators, and storytellers. Included in this year’s cast of presenters are:
BRUCE HALE – Author and/or illustrator of over 35 books for kids, including Chet Gecko Mysteries, School For S.P.I.E.S., and Clark the Shark, among many others.
SARAH PRINEAS – Author of The Magic Thief Series and Winterling, among other books.
GARY METIVIER – Davenport author of Saluting Grandpa: Celebrating Veterans and Honor Flight, as well as journalist and KWQC-TV 6 anchor.
P.J. HARTENAUS – Author of the adventurous anti-bullying books, Belden Boy Series.
RYAN COLLINS – Executive Director of the Midwest Writing Center and an English Instructor at St. Ambrose University, he is the author of A New American Field Guide & Song Book.
BELINDA HOLBROOK – Author of String Stories: A Creative, Hands-On Approach for Engaging Children in Literature. This book teaches children how to tell stories using strings.
MARY STEWART ADAMS – Storyteller Night Sky, and Program Director of Headlands International Dark Sky Park.
ANTHONY WEDGEWORTH – Author of fantasy adventures, includingAltered Creatures: Fate of Thorik.
Each elementary school in the Mississippi Valley community is invited to share in the excitement! Homeschooled children are also encouraged to participate. Registration forms are available through the Midwest Writing Center and Davenport Public Library. An “Adult Supervisor” (parent, teacher, librarian, or friend) must accompany every five students. Cost for each person is $5. Students should bring a box lunch.
Books and artwork by our lineup of authors and illustrators will be available for purchase and autographing. Proceeds from these sales will be used for future festivals.
The 2016 Children’s Literature Festival is generously sponsored by Ascentra Credit Union Foundation, and supported through grants from the Regional Development Authority and Junior Board of Rock Island.
E-mail Suzanne Johnson at sjohnson2831@gmail.com to reserve your place and to ask any questions about registration.
