The 14th annual Brooklyn Book Festival—the largest free literary event in New York City—took place in downtown Brooklyn on September 22 and 23, drawing approximately 40,000 book lovers. The event featured more than 150 authors, including many children’s and YA creators. We’ve rounded up a selection of highlights from some of the Children’s Day events, including storytimes, signings, and more.
(From l.): The “New York Stories” panel featured authors Peter Lerangis (Throwback, HarperCollins), National Book Award finalist Ibi Zoboi (My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich, Dutton), Karina Yan Glaser (The Vanderbeekers series, HMH), and debut novelist Hilda Eunice Burgos (Ana María Reyes Does Not Live in a Castle, Tu).
Sherri Duskey Rinker, author of Three Cheers for Kid McGear, illustrated by A.G. Ford (Chronicle), finds Waldo.
Tiffany D. Jackson, author of Monday’s Not Coming (HarperCollins/Tegen).
(Clockwise from top l.): Scott Westerfeld (Shatter City, Scholastic Press), Michael Barakiva (Hold My Hand, FSG), Angie Manfredi (The (Other) F Word, Amulet), and Maya Motayne (Nocturna, Balzer + Bray) after “The Way I Am” panel.
Grace Lin acts out her Caldecott Honor-winning picture book A Big Mooncake for Little Star (Little, Brown).
Brooklyn Book Festival held a morning Coffee Reception for Educators with Best of Brooklyn Honoree Mo Willems (seen here), in conversation with author Robie Harris.
(From l.): Authors Laura Sebastian (Lady Smoke, Delacorte), Jenny Han (To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, S&S), Mary H.K. Choi (Permanent Record, S&S), and moderator Libba Bray (the Diviners series, Little, Brown) took part in the “Feminism in YA” panel, which explored how their female characters navigate the challenges of coming of age.
Author-illustrator David Gallaher (The Only Living Boy; The Only Living Girl, Papercutz).
Jennifer Donnelly signs her new novel, Stepsister (Scholastic Press).
(From l.): Authors L.C. Rosen (Jack of Hearts (And Other Parts), Little, Brown), Sarah Dessen, Kristina Forest, and Jennifer E. Smith talked about writing romance on the “Love Is About the Journey” panel.
Author-illustrator Elisha Cooper (River, Scholastic/Orchard) shows off his trophy for this year’s BKBF Illustrator Smackdown.
(From l.): During the “Ready, Set Adventure!” panel, Edgar Award-nominated author Lamar Giles (The Last Last-Day-of-Summer, Versify), graphic novelist Molly Brooks (the Sanity & Tallulah series, Disney-Hyperion), and author Rivka Galchen (Rat Rule 97, Restless) discussed the thrills, spills, and chills that can happen when kids take on the unexpected. The conversation was moderated by author Sayantani DasGupta (Game of Stars, Scholastic Press).
Bad Kitty creator Nick Bruel illustrating a tale made up by the audience at the “Drawing a Story” panel.
Oge Mora, author-illustrator of Thank You, Omu and Saturday (Little, Brown), signs books.
Author Mariam Gates (Dinosaur Yoga, Sounds True) leads kids in a yoga session. Photo: James Hyde.
Author Josephine Cameron (Maybe a Mermaid, FSG) embraces a fan.
