Georgia Children's Literature Conference, March 2009

Bryan Collier briefly at the podium to attach his lavalier mike. HA! Got 'im!

The photos this year are only slightly better than those last year, but there was one huge problem. For the most part, the presenters did not stand behind the podium where there was a spotlight to make them seen. They were given cordless mikes so they could roam all over the stage - except, of course, somewhere in the light. My supervisor and I sat up fairly close, and they were still fuzzy. Photos were just about impossible.

This was a lean year for the Conference. We heard from other librarians that some people could not get the funding to attend. There was no money for a storyteller at the final "Storyteller's Luncheon," so someone volunteered and did an excellent job. The conference itself had to ask the speakers if they could adjust their fees. The Buehners came all the way from Utah to accept the picture book award. I note that the winner of the children's book award did not attend. Perhaps there was a schedule conflict - we'll give that person the benefit of the doubt. [Raises eyebrow and pinches lips like Church Lady.] Other speakers were Paul Janeczko, Peter Sis (looking oh, so european with his jacket casually over his shoulders), Bryan Collier, and Gail Carson Levine. I remember last year that I wasn't so sure what the authors could do for me, but I was very impressed. It was the same this year.


Peter Janeczko made me want to do a series of workshops this summer on poetry writing.


Sis and his children - who don't appreciate his stories of the bad old days!
Peter Sis described his life and the development of his art.

Bryan Collier told how he made the decision between a possible career in sports or one in art. We think he made the right choice! He led us through the process of making the illustrations for Rosa by Nikki Giovanni. He made the effort to travel to Montgomery and experience the heat, which came out in the yellow of the illustrations. Everyone had heard the story of Rosa Parks who wouldn't give up her seat that day because she was tired - well, of course she was tired! Who wouldn't be in that heat? He interviews people as well, all for illustration.


Levine is not only in the dark, she doesn't stop moving for a second!

Gail Carson Levine was almost not an author at all. She had taken a creative writing course and her teacher had written "Your trouble is you're pedestrian" on one of her stories. It created the negative voice in her that took decades to overcome. She gave up writing entirely and went into art. Now she dedicates some time each summer to help kids find their own positive inner voice, creating more writers. She described the research that went into her latest book, Ever.


Mark and Caralyn Buehner express their gratitude for the award and describe the making of the book, Dex, the Heart of a Hero.