Passion

I was lucky enough this past week to hear Anita Silvey speak at a library event.  If you don’t know the name Anita Silvey, then you are missing out.  Anita worked in the publishing world, was an editor for Horn Book Magazine, and teaches at Simmons College, and has devoted her life in the belief that “only the very best of anything can be good enough for the young.”

She is truly a passionate person who loves children’s literature and it shows.  She recently edited Everything I Know I Learned from a Children’s Book, a compilation of essays written by leaders in our society all answering the same question, “What children’s book changed the way you see the world?”  She is also the author of the blog “Children’s Book-A-Day Almanac” which provides daily book recommendations written by Anita.

Her passion for children’s literature is inspiring and I was so glad I was able to hear her speak.  It can often be discouraging when you work in a field that everyone believes will be extinct in a few years and have no idea what it is I actually do.  I know that I’m making a difference by finding the right book for the right child and exactly the right time, but it’s nice to hear someone else think it’s as important as I do.  Last words: if you ever get a chance to hear Anita Silvey speak, don’t pass it up, you’re in for a real treat!

If you’re interested in learning more about Anita Silvey.  Visit her website.