ALA 2009: Author Signings, Newbery Caldecott Wilder Banquet, and More!

We’re back from ALA in Chicago and what a success it was! The convention center was packed with 29,000 librarians and book lovers of all ages (pretty good company if you ask me). The four day conference was a marathon session filled with meetings, author and illustrator signings, great meals, and even a ticket to the Newbery Caldecott Wilder Banquet.

A special thanks to Sally Walker, Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, R. Gregory Christie, Kelly Milner Halls, Bob Raczka, Rebecca Hogue Wojahn, and Donald Wojahn for signing their fabulous new books!

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the conference:

Ashley Bryan (winner of the 2009 Laura Ingalls Wilder Award) visits with R. Gregory Christie and Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, the illustrator and author of Bad News for Outlaws.

Author Bob Raczka signs copies of his new book Action Figures. Kathleen Clarke (in white) is our Trade Show Manager. Kathleen keeps our booth running smoothly at all times!

Special thanks to Martha Ruff, Jonda McNair, Alan Bailey, Eunice Anderson, Becky Bishop, Toni Bernardi, Dr. Jane Claes, Denise Vallandingham, Julie Corsaro, Beth Gerall, Sue Kimmel, Michael Rogalla, Sally Anne Thompson, Tanya Tullos, Mary Voors and Robin Smith for joining us at the Newbery Caldecott Wilder Banquet!

We had great conversations, good food, and a chance to listen to wonderful speaches by winners Neil Gaiman, Beth Krommes, and Ashley Bryan. What a treat!