Stay all day or pop in to play at our fourth annual literature festival celebrating work from the best contemporary Irish and New York-based children’s authors and illustrators, including Rowboat Watkins and one winner chosen in collaboration with Children's Book Ireland. Readers tall and small discover new books, meet the creators, and participate in storytelling workshops and activities.

Sessions 1-3 are recommended for readers 4-8 years old, and the last event of the day, Children’s Book Publishing 101 is recommended for adults, however all events are open to (and fun for!) all.

SCHEDULE

Session 1: Dragtivity Time with Drag Queen Story Hour and Sez Me

12PM-1PM

Drag Queen Story Hour is just what it sounds like--drag queens reading stories to children in libraries, schools, and community spaces. Through a fun and fabulous literary experience, DQSH teaches kids about gender diversity and difference, builds empathy, and teaches tolerance. In this workshop a drag queen will read books, sing songs, and lead an activity from The Dragtivity Book, our one-of-a-kind activity book that helps kids and parents understand drag and gender identity.

Session 2: Meet the Author/Illustrator from New York: Rowboat Watkins

1PM-2PM

Meet Brooklyn based Author/Illustrator Rowboat Watkins. Learn about how he made his new his new book Most Marshmallows and design a marshmallow friend to take home.

Session 3: Meet the Author/Illustrator from Ireland: To Be Announced

2PM-3PM

This year’s Author/Illustrator from Ireland will be announced after the Children’s Book Ireland Annual Book Awards in March.

Children’s Book Publishing 101 for Adults with Maya Marlette of Scholastic Inc.

3PM-4PM

Are you interested in writing or illustrating a children’s book of your own? Have you written a story but not sure how to get it out into the world? This informative presentation will focus on what makes a good children's book and address questions like: Do I need an agent? How do I find one? What about illustrations? How do I submit work? will Also discussed will be trade books versus library books versus the mass market.