Las Vegas (June 26–July 1) was the venue for the 2014 American Library Association Annual Conference attended by 18,626 librarians and exhibitors. To get a flavour, you can look at the Publisher's Weekly photo essay and this short video which sums it up better than I could...
A relentless program of speakers, book-buzz sessions, meetings, poster sessions, informal discussions and author signings means that the conference is all about learning and networking and reviving and replenishing. The library system in the US does not seem to me to have had quite the same hammering as it has been getting here in the UK in recent years (though school library services do seem to be struggling more than some other areas). So, while librarians of course struggle with budgets and shortages, they are inspiring in their enthusiasm. They may have been wilting in temperature nearing 110 degrees, but their spirits were high!
At the Bologna Bookfair last year, chatting to Martin West of Troika books, he was telling me about a wonderful and regular Chinese customer of his who always seemed slightly amused at Martin's enthusiasm for the books he was presenting. One year, when this gentleman arrived at Martin's stand, he opened the conversation by asking, "Well, Martin, what are you passionating about this year?"
I think this is a most fabulous word, and never does it seem so appropriate as when describing a group of enthusiastic librarians - boy, do they passionate! And there's nothing like a tribe of book lovers gathered in one place, passionating, to raise your spirits.
At the Bologna Bookfair last year, chatting to Martin West of Troika books, he was telling me about a wonderful and regular Chinese customer of his who always seemed slightly amused at Martin's enthusiasm for the books he was presenting. One year, when this gentleman arrived at Martin's stand, he opened the conversation by asking, "Well, Martin, what are you passionating about this year?"
I think this is a most fabulous word, and never does it seem so appropriate as when describing a group of enthusiastic librarians - boy, do they passionate! And there's nothing like a tribe of book lovers gathered in one place, passionating, to raise your spirits.
Saturday
Kirsten Cappy with Hazel Mitchell ALA 2013 I kicked off my conference with lunch at a nearby Ethiopian restaurant with Kirsten Cappy the energetic owner of Curious City - a children's book consulting company. Now, I say, 'nearby'... In Vegas, in 110 degree heat, only things that are within 100 meters can be regarded as nearby. Though we'd arranged to meet there, I got a frenzied call from Kirsten suggesting we take a cab. It was only about two blocks away, but we would have melted!
One of the many projects Kirsten is involved with is the Portland I'm your Neighbor project which uses children's books to build bridges between "new arrivals" and "long-term communities".
The Portland project uses nine books in particular which were the focus of a 2013 city-wide read and I'm thrilled that my My Friend Jamal is one of the nine.
The Portland project uses nine books in particular which were the focus of a 2013 city-wide read and I'm thrilled that my My Friend Jamal is one of the nine.
 |  Kirsten Cappy, Anne Sibley O Brien & Lanie Honda |
We actually did meet at ALA last year, and I had a long conversation with Kirstin's IYN colleague, Anne Sibley O Brien, but due to 'convention brain' we didn't recognize each other! So, it was brilliant to finally meet. We're hoping to work together on some more books with Annick Press in Canada (publishers of My Friend Jamal). It was great to kick off the convention with an intense debate about books featuring "new arrivals", the difficulties in writing about issues without creating an "issue" book, the challenges of representing communities and the danger (to steal Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's phrase) of a single story. We covered a lot of ground over Beg Wot and injera (not least because our Ethiopian taxi driver got caught up in a World Cup match on the TV and couldn't be dragged away until it was over!
After lunch I checked in with the fabulous team at Charlesbridge: Meg Quinn (Director, School & Library Markets - no relation unfortunately) and Donna Spurlock (Director of Marketing supremo).
Of course, this is when the photo for Publisher's Weekly gets taken - when I'm still hot from the 12 foot walk from the taxi to the Convention Center!
But there are always some talented but extremely nice people to meet on the Charlesbridge booth. It was great to be introduced to Rafael Lopez, illustrator of (among many books) the wonderful The Cazuela That the Farm Maiden Stirred (by Samantha Vamos who I was lucky to meet at last year's ALA). He explained his amazing painting technique to me (he works really really slowly) but if I told you I'd have to kill you (or he'd have to kill me... or something).
After lunch I checked in with the fabulous team at Charlesbridge: Meg Quinn (Director, School & Library Markets - no relation unfortunately) and Donna Spurlock (Director of Marketing supremo).
Of course, this is when the photo for Publisher's Weekly gets taken - when I'm still hot from the 12 foot walk from the taxi to the Convention Center!
But there are always some talented but extremely nice people to meet on the Charlesbridge booth. It was great to be introduced to Rafael Lopez, illustrator of (among many books) the wonderful The Cazuela That the Farm Maiden Stirred (by Samantha Vamos who I was lucky to meet at last year's ALA). He explained his amazing painting technique to me (he works really really slowly) but if I told you I'd have to kill you (or he'd have to kill me... or something).
Anna McQuinn, Meg Quinn, Rafael Lopez
Unfortunately, Hazel Mitchell wasn't there either this year, but I was thrilled to be able to look at an advance copy of her Imani's Moon (written by JaNay Brown-Wood) - such a lovely book.
Who was there was Don Tate (illustrator of The Cart that Carried Martin, written by Eve Bunting) who I met a little later, but then he too was rushing off to something or other. If there's a problem with ALA it's that you meet so many interesting people that you really want to get to know better, but you have so little time to get to chat. But even in those few moments you can make a connection, find the person's website, start corresponding and then, maybe next time...
Who was there was Don Tate (illustrator of The Cart that Carried Martin, written by Eve Bunting) who I met a little later, but then he too was rushing off to something or other. If there's a problem with ALA it's that you meet so many interesting people that you really want to get to know better, but you have so little time to get to chat. But even in those few moments you can make a connection, find the person's website, start corresponding and then, maybe next time...
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For me, it was time to rush back to the hotel to meet Suzanne Bloom and Yolanda Scott to finesse our presentation for the next day's Book Buzz.
SUnday
Next morning, en route to BookBuzz, there was just time to visit the Lee & Low booth to pick up my #We need Diverse Books badge. Lee & Low have been publishing diverse books since 1991 and from the outset felt strongly that it was important to have books with contemporary settings that reflect how people live today rather than 'multicultural' folktales about exotic people from distant lands - so I'm a fan. They have been very active in the #we need diverse books movement and had a great flyer/poster with an action plan for more diversity (which I managed to lose). I'm going to try to locate it - check back here later for links.
Lee & Low's publisher, Jason Low, also hosted a Book Buzz session Moving the Needle: Diversity in Children’s Books and How to Make a Difference. I loved Jason's emphasis on moving forward (rather than getting stuck in the 'there are not enough diverse books' place). Jason said, "we need to get from Diversity 101 stories—stories focused simply on the lack of diversity in children’s books, in very basic terms—to Diversity 102 stories, which address both the complexity of the problem and the range of possible solutions."
One of Jason's big announcements was that Kirkus Reviews will be seeking to diversify their reviewer pool, and that several other major review publications have expressed an interest in doing the same. Diverse reviewer pools mean that books can be evaluated for cultural accuracy and that reviewers bring a wide range of perspectives to the table.
Lee & Low's publisher, Jason Low, also hosted a Book Buzz session Moving the Needle: Diversity in Children’s Books and How to Make a Difference. I loved Jason's emphasis on moving forward (rather than getting stuck in the 'there are not enough diverse books' place). Jason said, "we need to get from Diversity 101 stories—stories focused simply on the lack of diversity in children’s books, in very basic terms—to Diversity 102 stories, which address both the complexity of the problem and the range of possible solutions."
One of Jason's big announcements was that Kirkus Reviews will be seeking to diversify their reviewer pool, and that several other major review publications have expressed an interest in doing the same. Diverse reviewer pools mean that books can be evaluated for cultural accuracy and that reviewers bring a wide range of perspectives to the table.
In the absence of Lee & Low's action poster, CBC Diversity has a fantastic action plan - something everyone can follow regardless of what part of children's publishing they work in. To read more about the evolution of the #we need divers books campaign from hashtag through viral campaign to Incorporated Non-profit click here and here and for a round-up of the articles that got the ball rolling click here.
Book Buzz
At 11.00 sharp we were off: Yolanda Scott Editorial Director extraordinaire at Charlesbridge (who were hosting the session), Suzanne Bloom author and illustrator extraordinaire (whose books I have the honour of publishing in the UK) and me - Early Ears, a Book Buzz session on choosing books for the youngest readers .
At 11.00 sharp we were off: Yolanda Scott Editorial Director extraordinaire at Charlesbridge (who were hosting the session), Suzanne Bloom author and illustrator extraordinaire (whose books I have the honour of publishing in the UK) and me - Early Ears, a Book Buzz session on choosing books for the youngest readers .
We kicked off at the young end and talked about what might be a suitable topic for a good board book - not shapes (arghhh - what toddler who is just learning to say Mama and juice can attempt rectangle?!)
And especially not wrong shapes- a ball is a sphere not a circle!!!!
My pet peeve out of the way, we moved on to Yolanda's peeves (books with no story arc)...
and more of mine - words out of context and out of scale...
My pet peeve out of the way, we moved on to Yolanda's peeves (books with no story arc)...
and more of mine - words out of context and out of scale...
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I mean, look - how is it helpful for a young child to learn the word 'blossom' and look at an image of a branch not attached to a tree? And why is the rabbit three times the size of the lamb? (I know you know it's smaller in reality - but a small child looking at a book does not bring world knowledge to the experience! Give me patience!
Fortunately Suzanne was there to buoy us up with examples of wonderful language and visual literacy...
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And Yolanda talked about the commercial issue around making board books work and we did finish with some books which, though very simple, had nice story arcs...
Yolanda Scott, Suzanne Bloom, Anna McQuinn
It went without saying (kind of) that all the books were inclusive and diverse...
Then it was back to our respective Publishers' booths for signing:
  Where else would you get photo-bombed by your editorial director??  |    |
Mara Price, Anna McQuinn
I was really thrilled when Mara Price came to have a book signed - she was one of the writers I mentored during Highlights Foundation Writers' Conference in Chautauqua in 2008. We worked on her text Grandma's Chocolate and she has since had it published. It was SUCH a thrill to meet again and to be able to celebrate such a success!
After a busy day, there was only just time to change, have a quick chat with the ever-enthusiastic Ilse Crane from BookStop then we were off to the Newbery-Caldecott Banquet. So exciting! I am really grateful to Kerry McManus and the team at Boyds Mills Press for having me along and thrilled to end up sitting next to one of the authors of one of my favourite books, Busy Fingers - Wendie C. Old (published, of course, by Charlesbridge).
Proceedings were opened with a wonderful speech by Star LaTronica, President of ALSC (Association for Library Service to Children - a division of the American Library Association).
Dazzled by her speech, not everyone realized that her (made) shoes were equally dazzling! Even more dazzling than those she wore to meet Obama, I think (but I'm more a book than a lego fan).
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Dinner was interspersed with breaks for video clips - some of the best were of the honorees talking about when they got the call from the Caldecott committee. The funniest had to be the one from David Wiesner (for his book Mr Wuffles);
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Then were were treated to two amazing acceptance speeches from Brian Floca winner of Caldecott Award for Locomotive and Kate DiCamillo winnder of the Newbery Award Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures (illustrated by K.G. Campbell). Kate diCamillo's speech was really moving, and you can red it here.
It was tragic to have to head for bed to prepare for tomorrow when I wanted to mingle...
It was tragic to have to head for bed to prepare for tomorrow when I wanted to mingle...
Monday
Charlemae Hill Rollins (1897-1979) was a Chicago librarian and author who was dedicated to improving the image of African Americans in children's literature. She served as an advisor to authors, teachers, and publishers, encouraging them to disregard negative stereotypes and honestly portray black culture and history.
Rollins's role in elevating the status of African Americans in children's books earned her many awards including the Coretta Scott King Award in 1971. In 1974 Columbia College, Chicago awarded Rollins a doctorate of humane letters, and three years later the Chicago Public Library dedicated a room in her name at the Carter G. Woodson Regional Library*.
In her memory, the ALA's Library Service to Children division presents the Charlemae Rollins President's Program at its annual summer conferences. So you can imagine how honoured I was to be invited to speak at the 2014 program.
I was extremely nervous, but we were made so welcome by Brandy Sanchez & Rachel Payne
Co-chairs of the Program Planning Committee and ALSC president was quick to set us at ease.
Then we were off! Starr LaTronica set the scene... and Rachel Payne introduced Amy Dickinson...
Amy Dickinson is AMAZING! Author of the New York Times bestselling memoir, The Mighty Queens of Freeville: A Story of Surprising Second Chances, she writes the syndicated advice column, Ask Amy, which is carried in over 150 newspapers and read by an estimated 22 million readers daily.
She really knew how to reel the crowd in - beginning with a funny piece on Librarians in Vegas, then moving to her childhood, tracing the development of her love of books...
She really knew how to reel the crowd in - beginning with a funny piece on Librarians in Vegas, then moving to her childhood, tracing the development of her love of books...
...leading to her advocacy work, not least of which is her her collaboration with the Family Reading Partnership of Ithaca, New York to launch the campaign "A Book in Every Bed," that then sparked a national movement. First she made us laugh, then she made us cry! Standing ovation at the end!!
Well, that was a hard act to follow...
I kicked off by talking about the outreach work I did when I started working for Sure Start Acton.
For some reason, I thought dressing as Bob the Builder would help my cause! I have NO idea where that came from and I'm not sure the parents in the local health centre, drop in baby clinic, doctor's surgeries or anywhere else I went thought me anything but a bit odd...
I kicked off by talking about the outreach work I did when I started working for Sure Start Acton.
For some reason, I thought dressing as Bob the Builder would help my cause! I have NO idea where that came from and I'm not sure the parents in the local health centre, drop in baby clinic, doctor's surgeries or anywhere else I went thought me anything but a bit odd...
I talked about the big lessons I learned at the beginning of that work - namely that we in the book 'industry' (whether writers, editors, librarians, early years workers or whatever) might understand that babies need books, but for many many parents, this is NEWS!
When one mum explained to me (with a patient but slightly pained smile) that there was no point in my offering her little one a book because "see, he's only a baby and he can't read yet" I went back to the drawing board and realised that before I could promote the library and the groups I was running there, I had to start at first principles and explain that babies could enjoy books.
I also had to work out how to deliver this message in about 60 seconds and in time, of course, I discovered that books themselves were the answer. I have a core 'kit' and find that 90% of babies react to this sad baby - often by crying themselves...
When one mum explained to me (with a patient but slightly pained smile) that there was no point in my offering her little one a book because "see, he's only a baby and he can't read yet" I went back to the drawing board and realised that before I could promote the library and the groups I was running there, I had to start at first principles and explain that babies could enjoy books.
I also had to work out how to deliver this message in about 60 seconds and in time, of course, I discovered that books themselves were the answer. I have a core 'kit' and find that 90% of babies react to this sad baby - often by crying themselves...
...and while it's not my objective in life to go round the country making small babies cry, when a parent sees this happen, it opens the door to a conversation (and got a laugh from my audience!).
I talked (of course) about book selection and the need for children to see themselves in books... but also the need for families to see themselves in the library space. Once we had run a few groups, I took photos which we turned into posters - so when families looked at out promotional materials AND when they saw the posters in the library, they saw people like themselves in the space and children like their children in the space (the actual space).
I talked about other ways to include families from diverse backgrounds - I could put the information in here but I think the full text will soon be available on the ALA site, so I'll add a link as soon as possible. You can read the report in School Library Journal here.
The programme closed with three short presentations from three librarians on partnership programs they are working on including one very moving one about working with families of prisoners. There's a guide to innovative partnerships here.
The conference ended (for me) with dinner with a wonderful collection of librarians, editors, illustrators and other book enthusiasts. Was happy to sit near Sharon McKellar and hear some of her thrilling taxi stories; and to debate with Monica Edinger and Roxanne Feldman - what a fabulous way to end the trip.
The programme closed with three short presentations from three librarians on partnership programs they are working on including one very moving one about working with families of prisoners. There's a guide to innovative partnerships here.
The conference ended (for me) with dinner with a wonderful collection of librarians, editors, illustrators and other book enthusiasts. Was happy to sit near Sharon McKellar and hear some of her thrilling taxi stories; and to debate with Monica Edinger and Roxanne Feldman - what a fabulous way to end the trip.
So thank you Starr and ALCS for the invitation to speak - it was a tremendous honour and a fabulous experience. And thanks Charlesbridge for the financial support and for being the absolute best team in the business - now for over 25 years - happy birthday people! It was wonderful to make so many new friends; to have the gift of time with old friends, and to be reminded of how special a life I lead as one of the passionate tribe of children's book lovers. Amen!
* There really is a red thread... last year at ALA, I was asked by Chicago Public Library service to do some sessions for under fives in some of the city libraries. My favourite event was in the Carter G Woodson library where the staff were incredibly welcoming and the kids were fab. You can red last years blog here.
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