Confessions of a Book Nerd

So one of our requirements for my Children's Literature class stipulated that we were to go to this Southern Festival of Books downtown this past weekend. And at first I was like, okay, you know, that sounds cool, but honestly, I've got a LOT to do and I'd really like my Saturday back, thankyouverymuch. But after going, I am so glad Professor Neely made us.

I mean, think about it. English major. In the middle of a book festival. It's like walking a small child into a candy store. Guaranteed drooling and hyperactivity.

Some of the highlights of the day:

Getting to listen to Judith Viorst (aka author of the bestest book of my childhood, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day)

Getting to meet Judith Viorst, and having her sign a copy of the bestest book of my childhood

Listening to Katherine Patterson talk about her newest book, and hearing her reply to questions like, "Do you have any interesting stories to tell us about being a living legend?" with responses like, "Well, it's better than being a dead one," and replying to one lady's comment about fantasy and Christianity with, "If we don't have a sense of wonder, then how can we worship God?"

I'm taking that last one down in my permanent favorite quotes book.

And then I actually won (I know right?? I never *win* anything...) a book from the third session I went to, which was an illustrator talking about his newly illustrated book, which doesn't come out until January. It's called Jilli, That's Silly and it's just a cute little picture book about a little girl doing little girl things. I really liked hearing all about this illustrator, though. He was a cool, chill guy, and I loved hearing about how he does his illustrations.

Now I don't JUST want to be an author, I want to be an illustrator, too.

Man, I'm going to have to get on this stuff.