One of my favorite parts of being a part of the kid lit community is meeting creators. Authors and illustrators who spend their days creating books for kids. A few years ago, I stumbled across the Princeton Children’s Book Festival. Held every September, the Princeton Public Library would pack authors and illustrators into the plaza outside the library. I’m talking 75+ children’s and YA authors and illustrators spending the day signing autographs and just chatting with fans. It was an awesome experience!

Due to COVID, the event went virtual last year. And sadly, with so much going on at my job, I missed it. But, they hosting the event virtually again this year! And mark it on your calendar because this year’s event will be held on Saturday (this Saturday) September 25.

With some really great panels of some awesome creators, there’s a little something for everyone:

Monsters, Magic & Mystery

Journey with us on a quest filled with twists, turns, and magical beasts in this lively discussion with authors Tae Keller (WHEN YOU TRAP A TIGER, Random House Books for Young Readers), Kate Milford (THE RACONTEURS COMMONPLACE BOOK, Clarion Books), Chad Sell (THE CARDBOARD KINGDOM #2, Knopf Books for Young Readers), and Wendy Xu (TIDESONG, Quill Tree Books) and explore how they create imaginary characters and worlds.

Thrills, Chills & Kills

Fasten your seatbelts for this session led by author Anica Mrose Rissi (HIDE AND DON’T SEEK, Quill Tree Books) who chats with Young Adult authors Tiffany D. Jackson (WHITE SMOKE, Katherine Tegen Books) and Erica Waters (THE RIVER HAS TEETH, HarperTeen) about their thrilling new books.

Real Reads

Let’s keep it real in this session featuring author/cartoonist Damian Alexander (OTHER BOYS, First Second), author Kathryn Erskine (LILY’S PROMISE, Quill Tree Books), author Lee Durfey-Lavoie and illustrator Veronica Agarwal (JUST ROLL WITH IT, Random House Graphic) as they discuss their middle grade books and themes of friendship, loss, anxiety, bullying and hope.

Picture Book Pairs

What is love and what’s it got to do with a bear? Join award-winning author Ame Dyckman (TINY BARBARIAN, HarperCollins) to answer these and other important questions together with award winning and best-selling authors and illustrators, Mac Barnett and Carson Ellis (WHAT IS LOVE?, Chronicle Books) and Jonathan Stutzman and Caldecott winner Dan Santat (BEAR IS A BEAR, Balzer + Bray).

What’s even more, is that the entire event is free – and you should definitely sign up so that you can catch everything! Plus, you even have the chance to ask questions of the panelists! If you’ve got some time on Saturday, I strongly encourage you to check it out. For kids of all ages, it’s a great way to see the people behind some of their favorite books. If you purchase books through the local independent bookstore, the library does get a percentage. And honestly, it’s a win-win for me – I get some great new titles and I get to support a great cause at the same time!

So, swing by the virtual Book Jam 2021. I know I’m working on Saturday, but I plan on having the panels running in the background as I help the kids in my community connect with their next favorite books!