Past Events

The Business of Children's Publishing

Friday, Oct. 1-Saturday, Oct. 2, 2010

The Center for Children's Literature at Carthage hosted the annual Business of Children's Publishing event Oct. 1-2 in Hedberg Library. The event featured guest speakers including authors, illustrators, publishers, editors, agents and marketing managers. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions, get books signed, and talk informally with the speakers. Featured speakers at the 2010 event included award-winning author Ann Bausum. Read more.

Dr. Harlan Hansen on preschool success

July 30, 2010

The Center for Children's Literature welcomed early childhood expert Dr. Harlan Hansen on Friday, July 30. Dr. Hansen is a professor emeritus of early childhood education and elementary school classroom management and discipline at the University of Minnesota. He advised parents and caregivers on how they can help their children become better readers, speakers, listeners and writers, and develop crucial skills for school success.

Dr. Hansen and his wife, Ruth, wrote the book "Lessons for Literacy: Promoting Preschool Success." The presentation was held at 10 a.m. July 30 in Hedberg Library's Niemann Media Theatre. There was no charge for the event.

Best-selling author Andy Griffiths embraces the absurd, hilarious, and disgusting

April 24, 2010

The Carthage Center for Children’s Literature presented "What's So Funny?" featuring best-selling children's book author Andy Griffiths, at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 24, in Niemann Media Theatre. Mr. Griffiths discussed his ideas on humor and children's literature.

Andy Griffiths is a popular children's author from Australia who has won rave reviews for "The Day My Butt Went Psycho!", "The Bad Book," "Just Shocking!" and other hilarious titles. He is the author of 19 books for children in the popular "Just!" series (including "Just Disgusting!" "Just Annoying!" and "Just Joking!"); "Schooling Around" series (including "Treasure Fever!" "Pencil of Doom!" and "Robot Riot!"); and "Butt Books" series ("What Buttosaur is That?" and other titles). His books have sold more than 4 million copies worldwide and have been featured on New York Times bestseller lists. His 2008 book "Just Shocking!" was the first book to win all six Australian children’s choice awards in one year.

Breakfast with Richard Peck

October 10, 2009; H.F. Johnson Center for the Fine Arts

See photographs from the event.

The Center for Children's Literature hosted award-winning author Richard Peck on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009. Mr. Peck gave a presentation and signed copies of his books. The event began with a continental breakfast in the H.F. Johnson Center for the Fine Arts.

Mr. Peck has written more than 30 novels, and in the process has become one of America's most highly respected writers for young adults. Many of his books have received commendations, including "A Year Down Yonder," which won the 2001 Newbery Medal, while its prequel, "A Long Way from Chicago," was a National Book Award finalist and Newbery Honor Book. His new book, "A Season of Gifts," the companion to "A Year Down Yonder" and "A Long Way from Chicago," will be released in September.

Related link: Read an article in the Kenosha News about the event.

Reading, Signing, Tea & Conversation with Laura Numeroff

September 20, 2009; Niemann Media Theatre, Hedberg Library

The Center for Children's Literature at Carthage hosted best-selling children's book author Laura Numeroff on Sept. 20. Numeroff read to children and signed copies of her books from 2:30 to 4 p.m. She then spoke at a Tea and Conversation Event for adults from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

Numeroff has published 30 children's books including the popular "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" series. Her other books include "What Mommies Do Best/What Daddies Do Best," "Two for Stew," "Dogs Don't Wear Sneakers," "When Sheep Sleep," "The Chicken Sisters," "Beatrice Doesn't Want To," and "Laura Numeroff's 10 Step Guide to Living With Your Monster." She is currently on a book tour to promote two new books, "Would I Trade My Parents?" and "What Brothers/Sisters Do Best."

Related link: Read an article in The Journal Times (Racine) about the event.

"Wisconsin Creators of Books for Children"

July 2009; Hedberg Library

Exhibit displaying rough drafts, original manuscripts and artwork by children's book authors and illustrators in Hedberg Library. An opening reception was held on July 9.

Author Visit: Leonard Marcus

September 2008

Leonard Marcus, author of "Golden Legacy," spoke about his book and autographed copies at a tea Sept. 16, 2008, in Hedberg Library. His book is about the history of Golden Books publishing. Several former Golden Books employees spoke about their experiences at the company. The event was attended by Lois Ehlert, well-known children's book author and illustrator.

Illustrator Visit: Nonny Hogrogian

April 2008

Nonny Hogrogian is an award-winning illustrator of children's books from New York. She was twice a winner of the Caldecott medal, in 1966 and 1972. Much of her illustrations are for books of Armenian fairy tales. She was the honored guest at a tea sponsored by the Center on April 15, 2008.

Exhibit: Original Artwork by Caldecott Award Winner Eric Rohmann

In January 2007 visitors to the Hedberg Library had the rare opportunity to view all of the original art for one of Eric Rohmann's picture books. Rohmann won the Caldecott Honor Book award for his wordless picture book "Time Flies," and also won the Caldecott award for his book "My Friend Rabbit." Mr. Rohmann agreed to share materials from every step of the process, from the roughest first sketch through finished book.

Visit: Anna Celenza and JoAnn Kitchel

April 2008

Anna Celenza and JoAnn Kitchel came to Carthage on April 5, 2008, to discuss their series of five picture books: "The Fareway Symphony," "Pictures at an Exhibition," "The Heroic Symphony," "Bach's Goldberg Variations" and "Rhapsody in Blue." The program featured a discussion about music and education and the nature of their work.

The Business of Children's Publishing

Aspiring writers and illustrators, librarians, and lovers of children's literature crowded into Hedberg Library Oct. 1-2 for the Business of Children's Publishing Event. Read what the experts had to say.

Seuss-a-thon 2012

Get ready for green eggs and ham! The Center for Children's Literature presents the 14th annual Seuss-a-thon March 3.