Spotlight on Books Reminder

Spotlight on Books Conference, April 8-9, 2011, at Sugar Lake Lodge

The twenty-third annual Spotlight on Books, a conference for adults focusing on youth literature, takes place Friday, April 8 and Saturday, April 9 at Ruttger’s Sugar Lake Lodge Resort, near Grand Rapids, MN. This year’s event entitled “The Power of Books,” welcomes teachers, librarians, aspiring writers, parents, college students and other adults interested in children’s and young adult literature. The featured authors on Saturday will include nationally known, always popular, award-winning authors, Sarah Weeks, Mike Wohnoutka, and Alison McGhee. More information and registration forms are available at http://nlln.org/spotlight.html .

The conference kicks off Friday afternoon with workshop presenter, Anita Silvey, author of 100 Best Books for Children and 500 Great Books for Teens. Ms. Silvey has devoted 35 years to promoting books that can turn children and families into readers. (www.anitasilvey.com)

Saturday begins with Alison McGhee, a Pulitzer Prize nominee and #1 New York Times bestselling author. Her awards include four Minnesota Book Awards, ALA Best Books for Children, Parents’ Choice Award, and City Pages Artist of the Year. Alison is an associate professor of creative writing at Metropolitan State University, and was a founding member of Hamline University’s MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults. Her latest title, Bink and Gollie, is collaboration with fellow Minnesotan, Kate DiCamillo. (www.alisonmcghee.com.)

The day continues with award-winning children’s illustrator, Mike Wohnoutka. Mike will showcase samples of illustrations for children’s books from initial concept sketches to the final paintings. He will also share personal stories about the joys and challenges of his work. Mike’s charming illustrations can be seen in a variety of books, including Jack’s House, Can’t Sleep without Sheep, and The 12 Days of Christmas in Minnesota. (www.mikewohnoutka.com)

Nationally acclaimed author Sarah Weeks will conclude the featured author presentations, talking about the writing process and what inspires her to write. Sarah has more than 50 titles to her credit, including the novel, So B. It; the picture book, Sophie Peterman Tells the Truth; and her most recent book, As Simple as It Seems. Sarah is an adjunct faculty member at the New School University in New York City. (www.SarahWeeks.com.)

The conference will wrap up Saturday afternoon with a question-and-answer session with the three featured authors and Conference attendees.

Other highlights of the Spotlight on Books Conference include book displays, book sales, author signings, regional authors, book talks, “Lightning Rounds,” networking with colleagues and good food! Credit for continuing education units will be available for all participants.

Visit http://nlln.org/spotlight.html for more information and to register for the conference. Early Bird registration rates are available until February 25^th, and regular rates through April 1, 2011.