Previously . . . Instagramming ALA Annual 2017 (Part 1) Even though Saturday of ALA was busy, I will always take time to slow down, smell the strange convention center air, and admire a selection of Little Free Library designs: I spotted them on the way to the Chapter One Stage. I was moderating a panel that I was pretty excited about: Picture book time, y’all. For this live recording of The Yarn we brought together a knowledgeable crew: Julie Kuo, Matthew Cordell, Greg Pizzoli, Dan Santat, and Bryan Collier. The conversation ended up being a good mix of informative and funny. I’m excited to share the episode in a few weeks. Saturday was also the day AASL released the Best Websites and Best Apps for Teaching and Learning. These are lists I look forward to each year, and ones I love to share with teachers at my school. Best Websites are here. Best Apps are here. I’ll be digging into them in the next few days. I had a few minutes to dash through the exhibits. I know nothing about this book, other than I love it based solely on its cover. Cardboard Schu watchers, take note: there is a new Schu in town: This one is in a director’s chair. One thing publishers do is put all the awards a book has won sticking out on these little cardboard stars. I’m always on the lookout for the book with the most. I think I found the winner this time out . . . ACCOLADES. I also found the creator of the book, Brendan Wenzel. We had a chat about They All Saw a Cat for the podcast. Speaking of, Saturday was the biggest interview day for me. We only record in person for The Yarn, so we really try to make hay at conferences. You see this couch? This is where I interviewed Angie Thomas (author of the tremendous The Hate U Give). Not pictured: Angie Thomas. I really have to get better at taking my camera out. Thankfully, Lauren Donavan had her camera out for this shot: That’s Allen Say, everyone. Living Legend status. Saturday was fun, but Sunday was even better. Check back tomorrow for Part 3.