Well, I didn’t have to run around so much today because all the sessions were in the same room, so I got to actually see the sessions.

Ashley Bryan started us off with a rousing communal poetry recital. His enthusiasm makes you just about want to jump up out of your chair. At all other times he seems to be a very mild-mannered gentleman, but put some Langston Hughes in his hand and he is jumping around, grinning, declaiming poems loudly and proudly. Every child in America should hear him.

Then we heard some stories from storyteller Diane Williams. Her beautiful speaking and singing voice brings every story to life.

Pat Scales provided us with a bibliography of children’s books set in, told about, or written by authors from the South.

Then, of course, it was Judy Blume’s turn. Her heartfelt speech had an entire auditorium wailing. I sobbed like a child!

After book signing, storyteller Yuyi Morales opened up her bolsa de sorpresas (hope I spelled that correctly…I speak Japanese, not Spanish) and brought out Señor Calavera and remembrances of Coleen Salley.

Now my favorite part: My signed books!

Louise Borden’s true story of the Reys:

Yuyi drew gorgeous little illustrations in the books she signed!

She signed it in silver ink on the deep purple-blue background….preeeeetty.

And here’s her counting book–she drew Señor Calavera in it!

And here are the Judy Blume books!

Tomorrow I probably won’t have time to see many sessions, as I will be running around from faulty laptop to faulty laptop. Thank goodness for blister cushions!

Tags: Ashley Bryan, Diane Williams, Judy Blume, Louise Borden, Pat Scales, storytelling, Yuyi Morales