It’s that time of the year again. No, I’m not referring to the end of summer reading clubs or the kids heading back to school. I’m talking about Book Festival time. On Saturday, September 8, 2012 Princeton Public Library is proud to host our 7th Annual Princeton Children’s Book Festival. For those of you who are Festival followers, we’ve got a lot in store for you this year. Yes, it does get bigger and better every year.
The Princeton Children’s Book Festival has become one of the most recognized events that celebrates the love of children’s literature. It’s hard to believe that seven years ago on a sunny Saturday morning this all began with 24 local authors and illustrators on the Albert E. Hinds Plaza. I knew at the end of that day that this would be an important event for the Princeton community and beyond.
Participating in this year’s event are 74 authors and illustrators who are at the forefront of the children’s book industry, including Caldecott and Newbery Medal winners, as well as new and up and coming talent who are poised to take the kids’ book world by storm.
I am proud to announce that Peter Brown; award winning author and illustrator, has created this year’s poster art for the Festival. Peter‘s works include “The Curious Garden”, “Children Make Terrible Pets” and “You Will Be My Friend”. Peter grew up in Hopewell and now lives in Brooklyn. This is Peter’s third appearance at the Book Festival.
Once again, the Princeton Public Library has partnered with jaZam’s of Palmer Square. jaZam’s will provide a wide assortment of each of our authors and illustrators books for sale. Our library is committed to working with and supporting our local merchants. jaZam’s in turn generously donates 20% of their sales to support our Youth Services department. Stop by and say hello to Joanne and Dean and the jaZam’s staff.
There are so many incredibly talented individuals participating in this year’s event. A few of the more recognizable names are Wendy Mass, “A Mango- Shaped Space” and “13 Gifts;” Nick Bruel of “Bad Kitty” fame; Patrick McDonnell, cartoonist of “Mutts” and author of “Me, Jane” a 2012 Caldecott Honor winner; Herman Parish, “Amelia Bedelia;” John Bemelmans Marciano, “Madeline;” Lenore Look, “Alvin Ho” series; Alyssa Capucilli, “Biscuit” and “Katy Duck” series; and Debbie Dadey, “The Bailey School Kids.”
A full list of all of our participants appears on the Festival’s new website. The Princeton Children’s Book Festival is a rain or shine event. The hours are 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and it is open to the public on the Albert E. Hinds Plaza adjacent to the Princeton Public Library located at 65 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, NJ -08542. For more information please contact Allison Santos at 609.924.9529 ext. 242.
See you there!