Previously . . .

Instagramming ALA 2017 (Part 1)

Instagramming ALA 2017 (Part 2)

Sunday at ALA started off with an interview with The Day the Crayons Quit and The Legend of Rock, Paper, Scissors author Drew Daywalt. Even though he tried to tell me he was Dan Santat I saw right through his attempts to hide his true identity.

We recorded the chat here for a future episode of The Yarn.

After the interview I had a chance to cruise through the exhibits and take a look at upcoming books. One collection of poetry really jumped out to me:

The author, Chris Harris, honed his skills on late night television. The author, Lane Smith, is a guy you know pretty well. I haven’t had a chance to read the book cover to cover, but what I did read in the booth delighted me to no end. Creative, funny, off-the-wall – the book truly does stuff I’ve never seen a poetry book do. If you’re looking for a fun book of poetry to share, I think this will make a good candidate.

Lunch was spent learning more about Hey Black Child, the upcoming book by Useni Eugene Perkins and illustrated by Bryan Collier.

Little, Brown had some lovely spreads from the book on display:

Sunday night was the big Newbery-Caldecott-Wilder banquet. I put on my best bow tie and went over.

Here’s the beautiful (and it also felt great because: texture) banquet program illustrated by the Caldecott Medal winner (as is tradition). Well done, Javaka Steptoe.

After dinner, all the Caldecott Honor winners accept their awards before the Medal winner gives a speech. Here’s Radiant Child creator Javaka Steptoe at the podium:

His speech was heartfelt and moving. You can (and should) read it here. I particularly liked this quote:

#alaac17 @javaka_steptoe's Caldecott Medal Acceptance Speech: https://t.co/LDAaoXnueQ pic.twitter.com/hkxyzQayjh

— John Schu (@MrSchuReads) June 26, 2017

*Nodding head in agreement*

Next, it was Newbery Time. After the Honor winners accepted their Honors, Kelly Barnhill took the stage:

It was a wonderful speech – full of energy and hope. You can (and should) read it here.

Wilder Award winner Niki Grimes was up next and wow did she do a nice job. She did so well, in fact, I forgot to take a picture of her doing well. But not to worry – the receiving line was up next and a friend captured her (and all the award winners).

A magical evening at #alaac17 pic.twitter.com/WcDTQ4kvfj

— John Schu (@MrSchuReads) June 26, 2017

After the receiving line, the night was just about over, save for the class picture (minus one Newbery Honor winner: the legendary Ashley Bryan).

And some joking around with follow banquet goer (and Fuse #8 Production mastermind) Betsy Bird:

And that’s a wrap on my ALA 2017 folks. See you next June in New Orleans.