By Amy Paige Condon

If you give a child a book, she’ll probably ask you to read it to her. When you read it to her, she’ll want another one with pretty pictures and a good story. Then she’ll want you to take her to Forsyth Park, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 14, for the 6th Annual Savannah Children’s Book Festival.

Laura Numeroff, author of the award-winning “If You Give a…” series of children’s book will headline the free event that celebrates the arts of storytelling and illustration for young audiences.

Hosted by Live Oak Public Libraries, the Savannah Children’s Book Festival will feature readings and demonstrations from more than 15 nationally acclaimed authors, illustrators, playwrights and musicians as well as the Coastal Writers Circle, a group of southern and local authors.

“We do like to encourage [SCAD] students to know about the festival,” says Susan Lee, director of public relations for Live Oak Public Libraries. “The festival gives [students] a chance to meet the authors and illustrators and get their advice. They love meeting the students.”

In addition to Numeroff, festival highlights include:
• David Bierdrzycki, author/illustrator of “Ace Lacewing: Bug Detective”;
• Bruce Degen, known for the acclaimed “The Magic School Bus” series;
• Elizabeth Dulemba, who composed the cover of the December “Highlights” magazine and did the drawings for “Paco and the Giant Chile Plant,” a Hispanic version of the Jack and the Beanstalk tale;
• Ted Dunagan, winner of Georgia Author of the Year for Young Adult Literature for “A Yellow Watermelon”;
• Dr. Jean Feldman, an author of educational books for teachers;
• Doc Neil, on whom the movie “Doc Hollywood” was based, and the author of fun books about health for children;
• Antonio Sacre, an award-winning storyteller and playwright;
• Charles Smith, Jr., who combined his love for photography and sports into such children’s books as “Hoop Kings” and “Short Takes”;
• Laurel Snyder, author of “Any Which Wall,” a novel for children;
• Mike Thayler, Letterman from the PBS series “Electric Company,” and author of the “Black Lagoon” book series; and,
• Michael P. White, illustrator of the award-winning “The Library Dragon” series.

A Teen Scene tent geared to young adult readers will feature award-winning author Patrick Jones (“Things Change”) and comic book artist Kyle Puttkammer (“Galaxy Man”).

John and Danita Thomas will stir up some Kid Concoctions. Storytellers J’maih Nabawi and Friends will present traditional children’s tales from Africa, Latin America, Europe and Asia in the International Tent. Miss Rosa from PBS Kids will be on hand to help children navigate the world around them with dance, music and art.

The Savannah Children’s Book Festival will be held at the Savannah Civic Center in case of inclement weather.

To download a schedule of events and learn more about the festival, visit their Web site.

Contact Amy Paige Condon

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