Children's Literature Conference coming Feb. 27

Submitted by Western Today on Mon, 02/22/2016 - 10:09am

Western Washington University will host four award-winning children’s and young adult book authors and illustrators from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 27, at Western’s Performing Arts Center as part of Western’s 13th Annual Children’s Literature Conference.

The conference brings together teachers, librarians, readers, and writers to celebrate children’s literature and reflect on how children’s books shape the experience of growing up.

This year’s speakers include: Peter Brown, Cynthia Lord, Melissa Sweet, and Gene Luen Yang, who was just named the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature by the Library of Congress. Yang is the first graphic novelist to receive the honor since the post was created in 2008.

In honor of Yang’s recognition, the early bird registration deadline for the conference has been extended to midnight on Monday, Jan. 25.

Registration is open and available through the conference website at wwuclc.com.  The cost to attend is $125 if registered before the early bird deadline of Monday, Jan. 25, or $175 after the early bird deadline. Discounts are available for students, para-professionals, retired teachers, or groups. Clock hours are also available.

The day will include author and illustrator presentations, book sales and autographs, a question-and-answer panel, and an announcement of the 2017 visiting speakers.

Video by Dylan Nelson / WWU Communications and Marketing intern