AUTHOR VISITS at the PLUM CREEK LITERACY FESTIVAL, Seward, Nebraska

Book signing at Plum Creek Literacy Festival, Seward, Nebraska

Last week I spent three full days, along with eighteen other children’s book creators at The Plum Creek Literacy Festival in Nebraska, speaking to children and adults in schools in Lincoln, Nebraska, and on the campus of Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska. For me, this was the first time doing live visits in schools since Covid, and it was wonderful to see the smiling faces of the enthusiastic audiences. I also really enjoyed the opportunity to interact with the other authors, sharing meals and van rides and free time together.

Dylan Teut, Festival Director, and Caroline

I thank Dylan Teut, the organizer of the festival, for all the hard work of putting the program together, and all the 2022 committee members and and volunteers who helped make it all run smoothly. I am especially appreciative of Dawn Navis and Jeanne Gee for ably transporting us to and from all the events.

On Thursday, Betsy Thomas, my host in Lincoln, not only took me to all the schools, but treated me to a delicious lunch at the Green Gateau and a personal tour of the amazing capital building. 

On Friday, my host for the day was Tammy Stuhr, who helped make everything run smoothly and used her skills as a 4H trainer to entertain the children in between sessions. 

Authors, Festival Committee and Kiwanis and Rotary Members

On Friday evening, we were treated to a special barbecue at the Isaac Walton League cabin, sponsored by the Seward Kiwanis and Rotary clubs. The steaks were delicious!

Saturday was the Adult Conference on the campus of Concordia University. I thank all the volunteers who helped at the festival. 

The final event at the festival for me was the luncheon on Saturday, with keynote speaker Pam Munoz Ryan, who, as always, gave an inspiring talk about the importance of books and reading.

It has been twenty years since I last participated in the Plum Creek Literacy Festival. It was good to be back.