Tens of thousands of book lovers turned out for the 19th annual Library of Congress National Book Festival, which took place August 31 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. The event boasted a line-up of more than 100 authors, including numerous children’s book and YA authors who took part in panels, readings, signings, and more. We’ve gathered a selection of highlights from the festivities.

Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden (l.) and two-time Caldecott Medalist Sophie Blackall celebrate at the annual National Book Festival Reception at the Library of Congress.

New York Times editors Pamela Paul and Maria Russo launched their book How to Raise a Reader (Workman) in a panel conversation with Linda Sue Park, author of Nya’s Long Walk: A Step at a Time (Clarion); Jon Scieszka, former National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature and author of AstroNuts Mission One: The Plant Planet (Chronicle); and Renée Watson, author of Watch Us Rise (Bloomsbury). (From l.): moderator Lee Ann Potter, director of educational outreach at the Library of Congress, with Russo, Paul, Park, Scieszka, and Watson.

Markus Zusak signs a copy of his novel Bridge of Clay (Knopf).

Author-illustrator Cece Bell presenting her new book, Chick and Brain: Smell My Foot! (Candlewick).

Sherri Rinker signing her forthcoming picture book, Three Cheers for Kid McGear!, illustrated by AG Ford (Chronicle).

Pablo Cartaya, middle grade author of Each Tiny Spark (Kokila).

R.J. Palacio, author of Wonder and White Bird (both Knopf), being interviewed for PBS by Rich Fahle.

(From l.): Baby-Sitters Club creator Ann M. Martin (center) with the series’ graphic novel adapters Gale Galligan (l.) and Raina Telgemeier, outside the Library of Congress.

Author Mac Barnett (l.) and illustrator Greg Pizzoli kicked off their national tour for their beginning readers Hi, Jack! and Jack Blasts Off! (Viking) at the National Book Festival.

Illustrator Shanda McCloskey (T-Bone the Drone, Little, Brown) (l.) and author Laura Murray (Gingerbread Man Loose series, Putnam) compete in a “sketch-off.”

Author Fred Bowen (Speed Demon, Peachtree) signing books for a fan. During his presentation on the Children’s Stage, Bowen discussed his lifelong love of sports and his experience as a youth sports coach.

Author Minh Lê (Drawn Together; The Perfect Seat) with the Washington Post’s canine mascot.

The 20th National Book Festival will take place on August 29, 2020.