During the summer a child’s day tends to be less structured than during a typical academic year. This may be an ideal time to reinforce the benefits of reading, especially while they have additional time to linger at the library. Dav Pilkey, best known as the author and illustrator of the Captain Underpants book series, created two fun and quick videos that draw unexpected outcomes that occur when children read.
Writing is a struggle against silence. ~Carlos Fuentes
Writing can be filtered by many genres; biography, business, memoir, fantasy, science, etc. Regardless of the form it takes, writing is a powerful tool to convey thoughts, ideas, and concepts. However, writing can also be a solitary and isolating endeavor. In April, Open Educational Database (OEDb) released a list of 150 Useful, Educational, and Inspirational Blogs for Aspiring Writers. This post is intended for authors looking for insight, encouragement or inspiration. It is also for seasoned authors interested in networking or brainstorming with a peer/peer group. These resources may make the difference between a completed project or a draft, a published book or unpublished manuscript.
Click here to learn more!
Featured guest at the April Book Lovers Night is poet and author Joyce Sutphen. In 2011, this St. Josephn native was named the second Minnesota Poet Laureate by Governor Mark Dayton. Sutphen will be participating in a reading at 7:oo pm this Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at the College of Saint Benedict in Saint Joseph, Minnesota. This event is free and open to the public! Click here for more details.
Also note, Sutphen will be available for a book signing after her presentation. The CSB/SJU Bookstore will offer recommended books for sale at 20 percent off during the event.
Northern Lights Library Network (NLLN) is hosting the, “Quarter Century of Great Books” Conference, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota on April 11-13th. If you are an adult interested in youth literature-this conference is for you!
Authors Mary Casanova, Karen Cushman, Susan Marie Swanson and illustrator, Scott Nash are among the list of feature presenters. In addition, Vicki Palmquist from The Children’s Literature Network will talk about how to make graphic novels irresistible to readers.
Registration is still open-click here for additional information!
Are you curious about who our state’s top authors are? Here are two opportunities to meet the Minnesota Book Awards finalists!
First, consider attending the Meet the Finalists event sponsored by Minnesota Book Awards. This is a free event in which all the available 2013 finalist authors will gather to share their work. In addition, copies of their books will be for sale by Magers & Quinn. Take this opportunity to have your book(s) personally signed!
Friday, March 15 at Open Book
1011 Washington Ave. S., Minneapolis beginning at 7:00 p.m.
This event includes a reception with wine and refreshments following the program.
Second, 2013 marks the silver anniversary of the Minnesota Book Awards Gala honoring the finalists. Awards will be presented to the winner in each of the eight book categories as well as the Kay Sexton Award and Book Artist Award. Renowned writer and comedienne, Lorna Landvik, will emcee the evening with her quick humor and wit and passion for all things bookish. Purchase your tickets today!
Saturday, April 13 at the Hilton Minneapolis
7:00 p.m. Opening reception. Meet the finalists, book sales and signings, and cash bar
8:00 p.m. Awards ceremony. Wine and refreshments, celebrity presenters, and more
9:30 p.m. Epilogue Celebration with champagne, desserts, live music with Reina del Cid and the Cidizens