2015 Children's Literature Festival: Brad Sneed's books

I met Brad Sneed at the 2009 Young Author's celebration in Iola, KS. Brad is mainly an illustrator, but he has authored a few picture books. Brad is also a founding member of Marblespark, a program that helps parents create personalized picture books for their children. Below is a list of the books he's written and illustrated. So check out Brad's work on Marblespark, at your local library, or in a bookstore!

When the Wind Blows (2015, illustrated)
Washday (2014, illustrated)
Johnny Kaw: A Tall Tale (2013, illustrated)
Cock-A-Doodle Doo, Creak, Pop-Pop, Moo (2012, illustrated)
Mr. President Goes to School (2010, illustrated)
Big Bad Wolves at School (2007, illustrated)
The Boy Who Was Raised by Librarians (2007, illustrated)
Deputy Harvey and the Ant Cow Caper (2005)
Thumbelina (2004)
Aespo's Fables (2003)
When Wishes Were Horses (2002, illustrated)
Picture a Letter (2002)
Sorry (2001, illustrated)
Bravest of Us All (2000, illustrated)
The Strange and Wonderful Tale of Robert McDoodle: the Boy Who Wanted to be a Dog (1999, illustrated)
Watch Out For Bears! The Adventures of Henry and Bruno (1999, illustrated)
Pumpkin Runner (1998, illustrated)
Smokey Mountain Rose (1997, illustrated)
Higgins Bend Song and Dance (1997, illustrated)
Unbeatable Bread (1996, illustrated)
I Heard Said the Bird (1995, illustrated)
When the Fly Flew In...(1994, illustrated)
Legend of the Cranberry: A Paleo-Indian Tale (1993, illustrated)
Turkey in the Straw (1993, illustrated)
Lucky Russell (1992)
Grandpa's Song (1991, illustrated)

2015 Children's Literature Festival: Marie Smith's books

Here is Marie Smith, Roland Smith's wife. Not only is she a talented writer, she is also a master pie-maker! Check out Marie's books that she co-authored with Roland. Several are apart of Sleeping Bear Press's series Discover America State by State.

NON-FICTION:
T Is for Time (2015)
S Is for Smithsonian: America's Museum Alphabet (2010)
W Is for Waves: An Ocean Alphabet (2008)
Z Is for Zookeeper: A Zoo Alphabet (2005)
N Is for Our Nation's Capital: A Washington D.C. Alphabet (2005)
E Is for Evergreen: A Washington Alphabet (2004)
B Is for Beaver: An Oregon Alphabet (2003)

2015 Children's Literature Festival: Sneed B. Collard III's books

There were three authors/illustrators I saw at the 2015 Children's Literature Festival that we were unable to attend their presentations: Sneed B. Collard III, Brad Sneed, and Marie Smith. I have known these three amazing creators for many years. In the next three posts I will list the books they have published. Check them out!

First up is Sneed B. Collard III. He was the first author I showcased on my blog. Sneed has written a wide array of literature from non-fiction picture books to mystery YA novels. Enjoy Sneed's books!

NON-FICTION:
Fire Birds: Valuing Natural Wildfires and Burned Forests (2015)
Technology Forces : Drones and War Machines (2013)
The CIA and FBI: Top Secret (2013)
U.S. Air Force: Absolute Air Power (2013)
Listen to Patriotic Music (2013)
Look at Cubism (2013) 
Sneed B. Collard III's Most Fun Book Ever About Lizards (2012)
Global Warming--A Personal Guide to Causes and Solutions (2011)
The World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale (2010)
Many Biomes, One Earth (2009)
George Washington: Our First President (2010)
Cesar Chavez : the Farm Workers' Best Friend (2010) 
Phillis Wheatley: She Loved Words (2010)
Lady Bird Johnson: Keeping America Green (2010)
Jacob Lawrence: A Painter's Story (2009)
Sitting Bull: "Tatanka-Iyotake" (2009)
John Glenn: Hooked on Flying (2009)
Eleanor Roosevelt: Making the World a Better Place (2009)
Thomas Jefferson: Let Freedom Ring! (2009)
Teeth (2008)
Wings (2008)
Science Warriors: The Battle Against Invasive Species (2008)
Reign of the Sea Dragons (2008)
Pocket Babies and Other Amazing Marsupials (2007)
Abraham Lincoln: A Courageous Leader (2007)
Rosa Park: The Courage to Make a Difference (2007)
Sacagawea: Brave Shoshone Girl (2007)
Benjamin Franklin: A Man Who Could Do Just About Anything (2007)
John Adams: Our Second President (2007)
David Crockett: Fearless Frontiersman (2007)
In the Deep Sea (2006)
Shep: Our Most Loyal Dog (2006)
In the Rainforest Canopy (2006)
In the Wild (2006)
On Coral Reefs (2006)
The Prairie Builders: Rebuilding America's Lost Grasslands (2005)
One Night in the Coral Sea (2005)
A Platypus, Probably (2005)
Animals Asleep (2004)
Deep-Sea Floor (2003)
B is for Big Sky Country: A Montana Alphabet (2003)
Beaks! (2002)
Leaving Home (2002)
Firefly Biologist at Work (2001)
Making Animal Babies (2000)
Whale Biologist At Work (2000)
Lizard Island: Science and Scientists of Australia's Great Barrier Reef (2000)
The Forest in the Clouds (2000)
Acting For Nature: What Young People Around the World Have Done to Protect the Environment (2000)
Amazing Animals: Nature's Most Incredible Creatures (2000)
Animal Dazzlers: The Role of Brilliant Colors In Nature (1998)
Birds of Prey: A Look at Daytime Raptors (1999)
1,000 Years Ago on Planet Earth (1999)
Our Wet World: Exploring Earth's Aquatic Ecosystem (1998)
Montverde: Science and Scientists in a Costa Rican Cloud Forest (1997)
Animal Dads (1997)
Sea Snakes (1997)
Creepy Creatures (1997)
Alien Invaders: The Continuing Threat of Exotic Species (1996)
Our Natural Homes: Exploring Terrestrial Biomes of North and South America (1996)
Smart Survivors: Twelve of the Earth's Most Remarkable Living Things (1994)
Tough Terminators: Twelve of the Earth's Most Fascinating Predators (1994)Green Giants (1994)

FICTION:
Dog 4491: A Mystery (2013)
Cartwheel: A Sequel to Double Eagle (2013)
The Governor's Dog is Missing: Slate Stephens Mysteries #1 (2011)
Hangman's Gold: Slate Stephens Mysteries #2 (2011)
Double Eagle (2009)
Flashpoint (2006)
Dog Sense (2005)

2015 Children's Literature Festival, Day 3

Tuesday, March 17th, 2015

We started off our day with Roland Smith. He is definitely a pro when it comes to presenting his work to kids!

Roland has written over 40 picture, middle-grade, and YA books. Roland wanted to be a writer when he was a small kid, but a job at the Portland Zoo and becoming a research biologist created a 20 year detour. But from these careers, he gained the inspiration he needed to write his contemporary stories.

When Roland is writing a book, he does all the research before putting anything down on paper. When he's ready to write, he puts his research and story ideas onto note cards. With those cards he storyboards his entire book. So when he is writing, he has a clear "map" to follow to keep on track.

Roland showed the cover of his newest book, The Edge, (a sequel to Peak) which will be coming out in October.

Next we saw Antony John. John is fairly new to the writing world, but he gives an expert presentation! He has published six YA novels, with a seventh one, Imposter, coming out in September.

He recently completed his YA dystopian fantasy trilogy, Elemental. The books are set in the United States after a plague has struck the mainland. A small group of survivors have moved to the harsh islands of the Outer Banks. Many of these survivors are gifted with an ability to control the four major elements: earth, air, water, and fire. But when pirates destroy one small community, a few teens are left behind to survive on their own.

Besides talking about his books, John also gives advice on becoming an author. He says that if you wonder what is going to happen next when reading a story, then you are starting to think like an author. Also he states the importance of the "What if...?" question. This question can lead you to creating successful stories.

Next we went to see Jane Kurtz. Kurtz writes both picture books and YA novels. Her newest book is called Anna was Here.

When Kurtz was two-years-old, her family moved from the USA to Ethiopia. It was a hard move, but she grew to love the people and the culture there. Because of this experience, she has written many books based on the Ethiopian culture, racism, moving, and family relationships.

She also gave advice about becoming a writer. She said the way to be a good writer is to be a good reader because everything you read will show up in your own writing.

She asked three personal questions to help inspire writing ideas: (1) What do you think is interesting to you? (2) What is inside you that's interesting? (3) What do you know and care about?

Next we saw Claire Rudolf Murphy. For her presentation she focused on three major topics: the power of writing, women's rights, and the history behind the song "My Country, 'Tis of Thee."

She said that writing is powerful! The better you are at writing the more doors will open to you. The better the piece of writing reads, the more work has gone into it.

Because the conference is held in Missouri, Murphy brought up the history of women's right in Missouri. She had kids participate in a political debate and vote on women's rights similar to what was done in 1920.

Then she focused on her picture book My Country, 'Tis of Thee: How One Song Reveals the History of Civil Rights. She showed how different lyrics were used in the song during many major events in US history. She had audience members sing along to the different lyrics.

The last presenter we attended was Laurie Calkhoven. Calkhoven writes both historical fiction and non-fiction for elementary and middle-grade readers. Many of her books are through American Girl.

In her presentation, Calkhoven focused on the research she did when she wrote her three Boys of Wartime books and I Grew Up to Be President.  When she discussed each book, she shared a historical "wacky fact". These facts included how a broken egg saved the Sons of Liberty from the British; how a union girl sang taunts to Confederate soldiers in Gettysburg; how many Parisians raised ducks, chickens, and rabbits in their bathrooms to survive WWII; and how President Taft got stuck in his bathtub at the White House.

A very informative presentation for history fans.

It was a great conference! I look forward to reviewing many of the books I learned about.

2015 Children's Literature Festival, Day 2

Monday, March 16th, 2015

We had a fun and fulfilling day seeing author presentations!

The first presentation we attended was with Deborah Hopkinson. She highlighted all the books she mentioned in her speech the night before along with two other books: her first book she had published, Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt, and another picture book, Stagecoach Sal.

Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt is about a slave girl who makes a quilt mapping the Underground Railroad. The book is illustrated by James Ransome. Ransome did research for the story by looking back on his own family history. One of his direct descendants was a slave on a southern plantation.

Stagecoach Sal was based on two true historical characters alive during the California Gold Rush: Delia Haskett Rawson, one of the first female stagecoach drivers, and Charles E. Bolton (aka “Black Bart”), an English gentleman turned criminal.

After Hopkinson, we visited Obert Skye. He presented in Warrensburg last year and we were incredibly impressed by his presentation. We wanted to see him again this year and we were not disappointed!

Skye based his session on highlighting his newest book Witherwood Reform School. The middle-grade series is about two siblings who are left at the gates of a strange boarding school that's located on forested mesa. Going along with his storyline, Skye revealed the five secrets of becoming an author to the five secret floors at Witherwood. These five secret "floors" were to (1)Read, (2)Brainstorm, (3)Write, (4)Revise, and (5)Finish. Skye kept his large audience of elementary and middle grade students anxiously engaged the whole time! That's talent. Awesome job, Bro. Skye!

Next we attended Ard Hoyt's presentation. Ard Hoyt has illustrated many children's books for such authors as Mary Casanova (see my post for One-Dog Sleigh), John Lithgow, Molly Shannon, Michelle Meadows, and Michael Spradlin. In his session he talked about three magic ingredients that can shape you to become an author or illustrator: talent, inspiration, and experiences. Ard talked about how talent can come from anywhere, especially from your ancestors. His talents of being an artist and a cowboy were engrained in his family's history. With inspiration, Ard said that is can come from anything. Growing up, Ard was really inspired by the power of a blank piece of paper. He could be anywhere, do anything, and control the environment all by drawing on a blank piece of paper. With his experiences, they shaped him to love reading, animals, art, and being a cowboy. An uplifting and hilarious program anyone, young or old, would enjoy!

Next we saw our dear friend, Henry Cole. He talked about discovering his love of drawing, learning, nature, and family when he was a child. When Henry was in elementary school he found John James Autobahn’s book, Birds of America, at his library. The experience of looking at Autobahn's book and researching Autobahn's life inspired Henry to write his first chapter book Nest for Celeste. Henry showed students the sketches and manuscripts for Celeste, along with all the edits he went through.

As a treat to students and conference attendees, Henry shared three uproariously funny stories about his pet field mouse, Sammy Shine. Henry is in the works to publish books based on Sammy Shine's adventurous life in the Cole home.

Our final presentation for the day was with Lois Ruby. Ruby discussed the backstory, inspiration, and plots to four of her books: Steal Away Home, Rebel Spirits, The Doll Graveyard, and The Secret of Laurel Oaks. Her middle-grade and young adult books lean more towards paranormal themes during the Civil War time period.

Check out these authors and their work. I'll be putting out reviews for many of their books soon.

Next up, I'll highlight Tuesday's sessions on Monday!

2015 Children's Literature Festival, Day 1

Hello everyone! I just returned from attending the Warrensburg Children's Literature Festival. This festival has been running for 47 years! It is one of the longest running children's literature conferences in the nation. This festival's enduring history is largely due to the dedicated people who set it up. They have crafted the festival into an incredibly organized and prestigious event that attracts some prominent authors and illustrators.

The festival is held on the campus of the University of Central Missouri. For two days, 30+ authors give presentations about reading and writing, along with highlighting their own books, to hundreds of students and conferences goers. The conference is set up so anyone can go for either the full three days or attend one day of events.

It's become a tradition, for the past few years, that I attend this conference with my mother and two of her fellow elementary teachers: Mrs. Sigg and Mrs. Johnson. These woman are incredible! They have dedicated their lives to spreading the word about quality literature and the importance of both reading and writing. They have greatly inspired me to be the best writer and reader that I can be. I love you ladies!

For the next couple of posts, I will be highlighting each day of the festival and the author presentations we attended.

Sunday, March 15th, 2015

For those who attend the full three days, you have the option to attend the author luncheon. During this luncheon, one of the invited authors is asked to be the guest speaker. This year's speaker was Deborah Hopkinson.

Deborah Hopkinson writes non-fiction and historical fiction for young readers. In her presentation she showcased several of her books. These included Apples to Oregon (historical fiction picture book); Sky Boys: How They Built the Empire State Building (non-fiction picture book); and The Great Trouble: A Mystery About London, The Blue Death, and a Boy Called Eel (historical fiction novel). She also discussed two upcoming books: Courage & Defiance: Stories of Spies, Saboteurs, and Survivors in World War II Denmark (non-fiction novel, coming August 2015) and Beatrix Potter and the Unfortunate Tale of the Borrowed Guinea Pig (historical fiction picture book, coming 2016).

 

After the luncheon was complete, all those in attendance could get their books signed by the festival's authors. I ran into several of my author acquaintances as I got my books signed.

 

Here I am with my dear friend, the brilliant author and illustrator, Henry Cole.

 

Then with another friend, the amazing author I sponsored last month, Roland Smith.

 

It was a fun evening that I thoroughly enjoyed!

 

My next post will highlight the presentations on Monday, March 16th.