Date for 2nd annual San Diego Children’s Book Festival set! Saturday, May 9, 2009

Thank you!

Thank you to all our attendees, vendors, authors/illustrators, partners and volunteers who made the inaugural San Diego Children's Book Festival on May 4, 2008 such a fantastic success! The free Festival on May 4 attracted parents, children, teens and book lovers from across the region-and even as far as Riverside-to the North University Community Branch Library and the Nobel Athletic Complex!

Based on this terrific outcome, plans are underway for a second Festival in 2009 (mark your calendars for Saturday, May 9). If you have questions about next year's Festival, contact:

Susan Howe, 619-238-6643 or showe@sandiego.gov

Hip hop dancing for all ages.	Storytelling on the Target Stage.
More than 5,000 children, teens and parents attended the Festival!
Fans of Janell Cannon line up to have a book signed by the author/illustrator.	Event Honorary Chair Rana Sampson greeting the crowd.
David Shannon takes the stage.
More than a dozen of the nation's top authors and illustrators appeared.
Kristin and Calvin Franco meet Janell Cannon who signs her book Stellaluna. Janell Cannon fans waited more two hours to have their books signed.	David Shannon reads from his new book.
Multiple Caldecott award winner Gerald McDermott prepares to meet an enthusiastic crowd.
More than 50 vendors offered services, crafts, information and even cookies to attendees.
"Bullseye" the Target dog was popular, as were the 3,000 boxes of cookies he helped distribute.	SeaWorld distributes information and discount tickets.
A dozen performers entertained the crowd and provided fun activities.
The Rad Hatters' creative hat making was a big hit.	Penny the Penguin was one of several costumed characters to greet attendees.
Balloon artist Tony Bradley kept the children laughing.
More than 100 volunteers helped make the Festival run smoothly.
Volunteer Judy Eby reads at the continuous storytime in the Library.	Volunteers Marion Day (left) and Carleen Hemric provide information at the Library booth.
Jean Stewart and husband Mike held down emceeing duties on the Main Stage. Their band, Raggle Taggle, also presented a spirited set of celtic music on that stage.