This weekend on the National mall in Washington D.C. is The National Book Festival. This full day festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5:30 pm and features 72 writers and illustrators who will be available to discuss their works and sign books. This event, which is in its 8th year, is hosted by First Lady Laura Bush and Librarian of Congress James Billington.
There was a great guide for participants published this past weekend in the Washington Post Book World (September 21-27, 2008). In this guide you will find a list of the authors and illustrators, a short description of their background and a map that will help you to find your way around the event.
The list of authors and illustrators is amazing, but some of those that caught my eye include: Jan Brett (Did anyone read “The Mitten” to their kids?), Geraldine Brooks (“March” won the 2006 Pulitzer Prize), Philippa Gregory, author of many books including one of my favorites, ‘The Other Boleyn Girl,’ Cokie Roberts will be speaking in the history section having written numerous books including,’ Founding Mothers: The Women Who Raised Our Nation (incidentally, I have seen her speak and she is a wonderful speaker), Salman Rushdie, author of the controversial “The Satanic Verses,” Alexander McCall Smith, author of the beloved, “No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency” series, R.L. Stine, well known for his “Goosebumps” series. These are just the first couple that my eye was drawn to. The organizers have done an amazing job of putting together this program.
You can get a complete list of the authors and more information about the festival at:
Also, for those of you with young children, Scholastic will be bringing their Magic School Bus exhibit and Mrs. Frizzle will be on hand to meet her young (and older) fans.
It sounds like there is something for everyone this year at The National Book Festival!
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Wow! This sounds awesome!! I wish I could attend.
Susan, Isn't a great event? Unfortunately, I usually can't make it--and this year is no exception-- because of the school year/sports obligations. I guess there is a chance this year the sports will get rained out and maybe I can go!
Holly, Baltimore is having something similar..Baltimore Book Festival - See You There! I will be there tomorrow.
Margaret, I hope you enjoyed yourself. The weather definitely cooperated!
Holly, Cooperated? Only if you like downpours of liquid sunshine. I'll be doing a post in a few days.