Stay all day or pop in to play at the fourth annual literature festival celebrating work from the best contemporary Irish and New York-based children’s authors and illustrators, including Rowboat Watkins and one of the winners from the annual Children’s Books Ireland Book of Year awards.

Readers tall and small discover new books, meet the creators, and participate in storytelling workshops and activities.

Sessions 1-3 are recommended for readers 4-8 years old, and the last event of the day, Children’s Book Publishing 101 is recommended for adults, however all events are open to (and fun for!) all.

SCHEDULE
Session 1: Dragtivity Time with Drag Queen Story Hour and Sez Me
12–1pm | Recommended for ages 4-8, but open to and fun for all!
Drag Queen Story Hour is just what it sounds like—drag queens reading stories to children in libraries, schools, and community spaces. Through a fun and fabulous literary experience, DQSH teaches children about gender diversity and difference, builds empathy, and teaches tolerance. In this workshop, a drag queen reads books, sings songs, and leads an activity from The Dragtivity Book, a one-of-a-kind activity book that helps kids and parents understand drag and gender identity.

Session 2: Meet the Author/Illustrator from New York: Rowboat Watkins
1-2pm | Recommended for ages 4-8, but open to and fun for all!
Meet Brooklyn based author/illustrator Rowboat Watkins. Learn how he made his new his new book, Most Marshmallows, and design a marshmallow friend to take home.

Session 3: Meet the Author/Illustrator from Ireland: Julian Gough
2-3pm | Recommended for ages 4-8, but open to and fun for all!
Irish author Julian Gough leads a fun and interactive storytelling workshop about what makes a story a story. He'll also share how he came up with the idea to write his Rabbit and Bear book series.

Children’s Book Publishing 101 for Adults with Joan Powers of Candlewick Press
3-4pm | Recommended for an adult audience but open to all!
Are you interested in writing a children’s book of your own? Have you written a story but not sure how to get it out into the world? Candlewick Press editor, Joan Powers, gives an informative presentation on what makes a good children’s book and addresses questions like: Do I need an agent? How do I find one? What about illustrations? How do I submit work? She also discusses trade books versus library books versus the mass market.