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Vern Wilhelm, Owner
with daughter
Jessica Wilhelm,
Offi ce Manager
Fauquier Public Library (FPL) will bring
authors, art, books, and outdoor fun
together during its third annual Great Big
Book Party on Saturday, June 27, from
10:00 a.m.noon at Eva Walker Park,
located at the corner of Alexandria Pike
and North Street in Warrenton.
The free, rain-or-shine event gives
families the chance to meet children's
authors David Catrow, Sam Wedelich,
and Eliza Kinkz, enjoy hands-on
activities, and celebrate reading in a lively
outdoor setting. The program begins at
10:00 a.m.
The authors will talk about their books
and how they came to write for children.
Many are illustrators, giving young
readers a chance to see how words and
artwork come together to tell a story.
After the presentations, families may talk
with the authors, purchase books from
The Open Book, and have them signed.
The event will also include art activities,
hula hoops, outdoor games, the park
playground, free Kona Ice, face
painting, and a chance to read
to therapy dogs from K-9
Caring Angels.
"Meeting an author in person
can help children see books in
a new way," says Dawn
Sowers, public ser vices
manager for FPL. "It also helps
young readers understand that
authors and illustrators are real
people who began with ideas,
creativity, and imagination."
The Great Big Book Party grew out of a
par t ner ship b et we en FPL and
Shenandoah University in Winchester.
Dr. Karen Huff, director of the Children's
Literature Program and professor of
curriculum and instruction at Shenandoah
University, helped inspire the event
through the university's long-running
Children's Literature Conference, which
has connected teachers, librarians, and
children's authors for nearly 40 years.
The event is supported by the William A.
Hazel Family Foundation, the Friends of
the Fauquier Library, Shenandoah
University, Drum & Strum, K-9 Caring
Angels, The Open Book, and the
Warrenton Parks & Recreation
Department.
Because the event will be held
outdoors, families are encouraged to
dress for the weather. Eva Walker Park
includes pavilion space, allowing the
celebration to continue
even if the weather is
less than ideal.
For families, the Great
Big Book Party offers a
free morning to meet
authors, enjoy outdoor
activities, and celebrate
the stories and artwork
b e h i n d c h i l d r e n 's
b o o k s . F o r m o r e
i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t
fauquierlibrary.org.
Children drawing with author/illustrator
Charlie Mylie
Attendees enjoy free Kona Ice treats
Families enjoying Great Big Book Party activities
By Kristy Gillespie
Fauquier Public Library Hosts
Third Annual Great Big Book Party