This past weekend I had the honor and pleasure of being a featured author at the Edgerton Book and Film Festival. It was three days (if you count the full day I spent at their middle and elementary school talking to their thoughtful and engaged students… which I do!) of books and book loving people. The entire event and organization is a testament to what a small group of committed individuals can accomplish. Thank you, to everyone associated with this event, but especially Logan Nelson, Pat Brabazon, Kirsten Almo, Abby Whipple and Leslie Bakkum for inviting me to participate and helping me navigate this year’s festival.

Here’s a quick peek at what my week/weekend looked like!

The highlight of the weekend, for me, was not one of my own speaking presentations (I did two, one on my process of writing The Orphan Train Riders and one entitled Self Publishing 101), but the hour I spent listening to and learning from Barbara Joosse.

Barbara Joosse is the author of more than 30 books for children, which have been translated into 24 languages. She is a native of Wisconsin, and also attended UW-Madison. Joosse has won many awards for her children’s books, including: 10 Best Illustrated Books, New York Times; Best Picture Book Text, Society of Children’s Book Writers; New York Library Association Top Book of the Season; Chicago Library’s Best; ABC’s Best Books for Children; New York Library Association Best of the Season; Chicago Libraries Best; CCBC 2005 Choices; Book of the Week, Booklist; and Kansas State Reading Circle’s recommended list.

Barbara Joosse is a woman that grabs your attention immediately. But it wasn’t her blue and purple dyed hair or her uniquely shaped and colored glasses that nudged me to sit up and pay attention. The second Barbara started speaking, it was immediately apparent that I was in the presence of a wise literary soul. I’ve had experiences like this in the past. Remember when I wrote about Michael Perry? Maybe there’s something in the Wisconsin air that makes its writers kind and wise and oh-so-talented. Whatever it is, I hope I soaked up some of it while I listened to this woman share her writing advice.

Here are a few of my favorite take aways.

After hearing Barbara speak I went immediately to her table and debated which of her books I would buy. Of course, I wanted them all, but only walked away with two.

But I have plans to pick up these two for my nieces and nephews for Christmas. 😊

You can grab your copies here: Lulu and Rocky in Milwaukee, Lulu and Rocky in Detroit, Better Together, Mama Do You Love Me?

I now know that Barbara has been around for a while… thirty years in the publishing industry in fact. But, instead of mourning my lack of time with her books, I’m celebrating the fact that I have a new author to adore and so many titles to read. If you like me, are new to Barbara, take some time and check out her work. Inside her books you will find lyrical language, strong messages and lively word play (not to mention gorgeous illustrations!). Thank you Barbara for sharing your wordy wisdom with me, for answering my question during your presentation, for autographing my kiddos’ books and for being an incredible role model for both authors and human beings everywhere.

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