AUTHOR FESTIVAL, Huntington Beach, CA: Visit to Eader Elementary

Book signing at the Huntington Beach Author Festival, Huntington Beach, CA

Yesterday was the 31st annual Huntington Beach Author’s Festival in Huntington Beach, California, organized by the Friends of the Children’s Library (FOTCL) Author’s Festival Committee. Along with more than twenty other children’s book authors, I spent a day at a local school, followed by a reception at the Huntington Beach Library. I have been participating in this celebration of books and reading almost every year since it’s beginning.

With librarian Julie Prager at Eader Elementary School

This year I visited Eader Elementary School and was hosted by library media technician Julie Prager, who did a wonderful job organizing my day and promoting my books to the children. I spoke to four groups of children, pre-K through fifth grade, in the library. I appreciated Julie’s flexibility when my projector developed a technical problem. Luckily we were able to quickly switch to her computer and the library projector and make some adjustments to the seating arrangement and all went smoothly. All of my audiences were terrific–very enthusiastic and asking good questions. The school had not had an author visit for several years and it was great to see what an impact my visit had on students and teachers. I thank Julie and the support of the school principal for helping to make it happen.

Huntington Beach Library

After lunch at Eader and signing books purchased by students, I went to the library for the afternoon reception. Volunteers on the festival committee, dressed in red shirts, made sure everyone knew where to go and had everything they needed. Students who had won prizes for their stories were honored in the auditorium with their proud parents and teachers watching in the audience.
This event would not go on except for the hard work and dedication of Gail Page who has led the festival for many years. Thank you Gail! I always enjoy the chance to share my books with new readers and to see old friends.

Sign in the Eader School Library