Who among us doesn’t love a good book festival? This weekend my husband, my hero, offered to drive on Friday after work so that we could attend the Mississippi Book Festival in my home town of Jackson, MS. We had plans to visit my mother, but the book festival started at 9 AM, driving late into Friday evening was necessary.
It was so worth it! I was able to see an interview with Kate DiCamillo who is always a delight. With Ellen Hunter Ruffin, who is a hoot in her own right, they bantered and kept the audience laughing. Kate was introduced by none other than Ann Patchet, who later joined her on a panel about friendship and narrative.
When a teacher in the audience asked Kate about themes in her books, she said, “I have no idea what the themes are. Forgiveness and family seem to be my preoccupations. Those things are in there unwittingly. The only way to tell a story well is to let your guard down. Be vulnerable.”
As a teacher, a standard that I hit my head on constantly is “identify the theme.” It is so interesting to me that theme is the last thing an author thinks about when writing, if at all.
Kate is a cheerleader for reading aloud. I’ve started reading her new book Ferris to my students. They can’t wait to read more.
Authors are real people. They struggle, as we do, to make sense of the world and to do their best to mold and shape the lives of children.
I ran into a new children’s book author who I had met at the Fay B. Kaigler book festival in April. She joined me and Irene Latham for dinner one night, and we hit it off immediately. Fate and this festival brought us back together. Her new book is Trunk Goes Thunk: A Woodland Tale of Opposites. She was on a panel of children’s book authors. They talked about who they were and where their ideas came from. Heather was enthralled by a live cam video of a fallen log. She wanted to write a book about all the animals that travel the log bridge which ultimately leads from separate to together. If you collect children’s books, be on the lookout. It’s coming out soon.
Reflections on the Teche 
I am so glad you had this adventure—your husband the hero! I am eager to attend this years Book Fest in Portland. Renée Watson will be there as well as Richard Powers. I love Kate DiCamillo and Ann Patchet; they are stars in my firmament. Lucky you! In an article for the New Yorker Ann Patchet talks about sharing the stage with Powers, how she gave her time to him because he was so compelling. She is a gem.
The vulnerability statement is so real. I have struggles with that, and I always admire the writing that feels more emotional. Great pictures, Margaret. So much joy and excitement.
I’m so glad that you carved out the time to add this to your weekend, and a big gold star to Jeff for driving. What an amazing experience! I’m jealous that you got to breathe the same air as Kate DiCamillo. Like you, I found what she said about theme fascinating.
Thanks for sharing about your book festival day and photos!! I know oyu had fin this week telling your students about it. I also think as teachers we need to give ourself book joy to keep us going. So glad your husband was up for you having a book joyful weekend!