By Alexandra Mack
KU will host their 17th annual Children’s Literature Conference from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 18 at the McFarland Student Union building. Registration will start at 7:30 a.m. in the MSU lobby and events will be scattered throughout the day.
KU is opening its campus to local youth to meet featured authors and illustrators of various children’s books and enhance knowledge of literature.
This event teaches students to build resumes and stand out in professional-development interviews.
Photo courtesy of University Relations
The conference strives to access more recent award-winning authors. This year, participants will have the opportunity to attend presentations by Newbery Honor and Printz Award winner Gary Schmidt, Golden Kite award and Charlotte Zolotow Honor winner Mara Rockliff, Society of Illustrators’ silver medal winner William Low, and Society of Illustrators’ gold medal winner Elisha Cooper.
According to Sarah Bryski, a graduate assistant for the Children’s Literature Conference and Elementary Education Department, the event has decreased in attendance over the years, but it remains important to her because of how educational it is to everyone involved. Depending on the author, some share their books and others go into explanation about the process of publishing and writing advice.
The conference began in 1998 to enhance children’s literature and honor a faculty member, Dr. Robert Dornish. According to Bryski, Dr. Dornish taught children’s literature in KU’s elementary education department and many of his books can be found in the KU library today, with continuing additions.
CLC pushes those in attendance to challenge themselves and others to be active and creative in the learning process, while providing Act 48 hours for current educators and great resume and interview content for students. Bryski also is welcoming and encouraging anyone who still would like to participate.
For more information about the event, visit the conference website at http://www.kuchildrensliterature.weebly.com or contact Sarah Bryski at childlitconfku@gmail.com.
