I am back at the hotel after my second day at the Children’s Book Festival. We heard inspiring (and funny) talks from James Ransome, Loris Lesynski, and Pat Mora. Once again, these writers shared their passion for children, for creating, and for literacy.

The slow-moving lines in the Barnes & Noble during the two-and-a-half hour signing were a testimony to the time and individual attention these writers took with each of us.

I was lucky enough to be positioned next to Coleen Salley. She entertained all her admirers, posing for photographs and writing personal dedications — even to unborn grandchildren. Salley had kind words for Wolfsnail. James Ransome asked to see it after he had signed books for me and he had kind words as well. It is very nice to be encouraged by writers and illustrators with so much more experience.

Here is Salley with Lesynski. On day 3 of signings, Lesynski joined us at the front of the store near the windows. She is holding her hilarious rhyming Boy Soup.