Publishers Weekly’s inaugural U.S. Book Show, a three-day virtual conference to help build buzz about fall 2021 books, has announced three speakers for its Children’s Books Day. The event is live-streaming and available on-demand through August 31.
Senator Elizabeth Warren is set to open the day with a keynote conversation with her editor, Laura Godwin, to discuss the senator’s first picture book, Pinkie Promises (Holt), a tale of loyalty, female empowerment, and political engagement, illustrated by Charlene Chua. Senator Warren will speak on Thursday, May 27, at 10:30 a.m. EDT.
Caldecott Medalist Brian Selznick, author of The Invention of Hugo Cabret and many other works for children, will give a live talk that afternoon, followed by a q&a about his forthcoming novel, Kaleidoscope (Scholastic Press).
In addition, executive producer and host of the Emmy-Award winning Top Chef Padma Lakshmi, who is also an award-winning cookbook author, will be discussing her children’s book debut, Tomatoes for Neela (Viking), illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist Juana Martinez-Neal. Her talk is set to take place midday.
Publishers Weekly will donate a portion of the proceeds of the U.S. Book Show to Boys & Girls Clubs of America. A pre-recorded piece will also be played at the opening of Children’s Books Day to promote and build awareness of the organization’s support of literacy and education.
The show will run from May 25–27 and features a variety of editor, book, and author panels; livestreaming q&a sessions with editors; topical library panels; programming geared to publishing professionals; networking opportunities and awards celebrations; and exhibit halls featuring more than 200 publishers. The full schedule and registration information is available online.
