Kid Lit for Adults

Last Saturday I attended my first Kid Lit for Adults session at one of the beautiful Charlotte-Mecklenburg regional libraries. It was wonderful! Two talented library staff members presented the material, the coffee was hot, and the price was perfect--FREE, absolutely free.

Most of the attendees were teachers seeking new ways to get their students involved with reading and writing. But there were a few of us hopeful writers of picture books, also.

The monthly programs usually consist of group discussions about specific authors of children's books. However, the program last Saturday was about the history, evolution and production of picture books.

And you all know that I am hopelessly enamored with picture books, right?

The instructors crammed tons of information into each of their one hour sessions. Everyone (including me) was taking notes all over the hand-outs--fronts, backs, corners and between the lines!

We learned about the changing trends in children's books during the 20th Century as we visited Peter Rabbit, Millions of Cats, Dr. Seuss, Golden Books, easy readers, Where the Wild Things Are and more.

The instructors gave a quick overview of the publishing process from manuscript to finished book.

We could have stayed another two hours! So, Tree & Jill (our instructors) are planning a follow-up session in early fall. I can hardly wait! If you live anywhere near Charlotte, NC, you'll want to join  us. I'll let you know when a date is set.

Learning is such fun. Especially with like-minded people.

Here are some tentative dates for 2011 -- all Saturdays 10 am - Noon at the South County Regional Library

• August 20, 2011 - discuss the works of Steven Kellogg
• September 17, 2011 - discuss the works of Rosemary Wells
• October (date TBA) - Martin Waddell
• November 12, 2011 - Margaret and H.A. Rey

Mondays 4 pm - 6 pm at the Davidson Regional Library

• August 29, 2011 - Steven Kellogg
• September 19, 2011 - Rosemary Wells
• October 17, 2011 - Martin Waddell
• November 14, 2011 - Margaret and H. A. Rey

If you would like more info email Tree at kidlitforadults@gmail.com.

Now - off to work on my latest inspiration for a series of picture books. Oh how I hope I can get these published!