Are you looking for an opportunity to spend time with your kids? Do they love books? Why not combine the two and check out one of the many family-friendly events at the Fox Cities Book Festival? There are plenty of different opportunities for you to come and enjoy with your family all week long. Several events have interactive elements, so your child gets to participate in some hands-on fun!
Mr.McGinty’s Monarchs is the debut picture book from Linda Vander Heyden. Vander Heyden has been a lifelong lover of the outdoors. The inspiration for Mr.McGinty’s Monarchs came when she was out walking her dogs one day and noticed that all the milkweed along the road had been cut down, and there were many monarch caterpillars clinging to the drying plants. Milkweed is the only plant that monarchs both lay their eggs on and feed on. She wrote this book to educate people about monarch butterflies and their lives. Join Linda Vander Heyden on October 9 at 1pm at the Elisha D. Smith Public Library or October 12 at 10 am at the Neenah Public Library.
Couldn’t get enough of Linda’s storytelling the first time? 
Don’t worry she will also be having a storytime reading one of her latest books, A Horse Named Jack. She will be showing pictures of Jack, her real-life horse. Make sure to stick around after the reading, songs, and music to enjoy a horse inspired craft. The event will take place October 11 at 9:30 at the Kaukauna Public Library. This is the same time that the Kaukauna Public Library’s regular Preschool Storytime normally takes place and is best suited for ages three to five.
Dreamerboy by writer and filmmaker John Mitchell is a fantastical picture book. The first in the “Dreamerboy” series, it features artwork by Marketa Ivanisova. John will be reading his book as well as an opportunity for your child to ask him questions! He will be at The Book Store on October 11 starting at 6 pm.
Keiko Kasza grew up in Japan and moved to the United States in 1973. While studying graphic design she discovered her love of picture books. You’ll love her most recent book, Finders Keepers. She has published 22 books, won several awards, and her books have been translated into 16 languages. Keiko will discuss where she gets her ideas and why she uses animals in her books. She will be at the Gerard H. Van Hoof Memorial Library at 6pm on October 11.
Jay Matz is an author and illustrator from Northeastern Wisconsin. He wrote, illustrated, and self-published his book Nicholas Northwoods: An Ode to the Seasons over the course of seven years. He hopes that his book will inspire kids to go out and explore both nature and the world. Jay will take you through how he does his storyboards, drawings, and digital coloring. At the end there will be a drawing activity for each child. Come enjoy Jay’s interactive presentation October 12 at 10am at the Elisha D. Smith Public Library.
Gordon Korman published his first novel when he was a freshman in high school. He has been writing ever since, published over 80 books, sold over 30 million copies of his books, and been translated into 32 languages. Gordon will talk about his journey growing up in the book business October 12 at 6:30 at the Fox Valley Technical College.
The last event for kids this year is with Jeanne Styczinski. Jeanne has been a kindergarten teacher for 30 years and has read numerous books for her students over the years. After seeing the impact these books had on her students she decided to follow her dream of creating a children’s book. She has created her own publishing company and has self-published three children’s books. Join Jeanne for an interactive illustration session on October 13 at 9:15am at the Kaukauna Public Library.
