USA Trip Part one

Arrived in Toronto on September and spent the weekend with my Toronto cousins. Came away with lots of new book recommendations, thanks Sheila and Lorna!

Then it was on to Binghampton via Detroit and my friend Suzanne's place in McDonough which is totally charming - the kind of place you imagine all children's books illustrators to live!

Including, naturally enough, her flying pig! (Sorry, ONE of her flying pigs!)

After a good night's sleep we headed off for Honesdale and the Highlights Foundation and say high to some old friends. The last time I visited, the Barn had not been built, so it was very exciting to see this amazing new space where the Foundation runs workshops and residencies. We were delighted to have dinner with the inspiring Kent Brown, then having distracted Carolyn Yoder from her work for an hour, we settled down in one of the gorgeous cabins.

        The Barn, Honesdale

Next morning it was back on the road and preparations for our workshops in Ithica.

Friday 13th saw us arrive safely at Tompkins County Public Library.
Once we figured out how to get in...

The most energetic woman on the planet, Brigid Hubberman, of the Family Reading Partnership who had organised the event introduced us.

First up was a story time for littlies - which they seemed to enjoy...

We signed lots of books, caught out breath then it was on to the adults.

I did a lot of ranting... about age-inappropriate board books, and too-long board books, and books which have a disconnect between topic and the developmental age of the child which they are being marketed to... Suzanne kept me on track so we remembered to talk about great books too (and don't forget to follow Lulu/Lola's own Goodreads page for recommendations - click here.)

I think we were preaching to the converted and we had a great question and answer session to end. Now if only Brigid were president of the world...

Once we'd packed up, it was off to the lakeside for some downtime - well, actually not downtime so much as intense lively discussion and debate with a bunch of powerful advocates for child literacy.
Awesome!

In Brigid Hubberman's world, a late night of intense debate is no excuse for a late start, so by 10.00 next morning, we'd already had breakfast, done some sightseeing (the Taughannock Falls) and visited the Hands-on Nature Anarchy Zone at the Ithaca Children's Garden (too bad we missed Mud week!)

Then it was on to our Wegman's event. We met so many new friends (a special shout out to Ana and Julie), did lots of reading - sitting in the Big Red Chair - and signing (except of course for those who could sign their own names themselves - that would've just been silly!)

My stickers were a big hit - thought some kids were insistent on sticking them on my hands!

Sometimes after a long day, things can get a little silly...

Back to Suzanne's and some real downtime, then on Tuesday it was off to Syracuse to meet Suzanne's writers' group. I was honoured they let me sit in on their session and I learned such a lot.

MJ Auch, Bruce Coville, Amber Lough, Ellen Yeomans and Suzanne Bloom.

Ellen cooked a fabulous lunch - which sadly did not include the enormous variety of gherkin she grows.

On the way home, we stopped off to buy apples and I saw this sign which made me think of my own hardy Mum and want to wish her well: