District 58 invites community to Author Fest

Submitted by Downers Grove Grade School District 58.

Downers Grove Grade School District 58 invites the community to a book signing and photo opportunity with four prominent children’s authors/illustrators: Blue Balliett, Laura Huliska-Beith, Barb Rosenstock and Tom Watson. The event will take place Friday, April 17 from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss St. Books will go on sale at 6:30 p.m., and the book signing starts at 7 p.m.

Friday’s book signing will conclude the District 58 Author Fest celebration. The annual PTA-sponsored Author Fest event alternates each year between north side and south side schools. This year, El Sierra, Fairmount, Indian Trail, Kingsley and Whittier will host the event from April 15-17. The authors will visit these schools and talk about how they became writers and/or illustrators, discuss their craft, answer students’ questions about writing and/or illustrating, and share insights about careers in literature.

About the authors:

Blue Balliett is an art history graduate and former teacher who enjoys playing with words. She wrote her first book, “Chasing Vermeer,” for her students. It took five years to write, and she intended to only read it aloud to her students. She was encouraged to publish the book, and the rest is history! She lives in Chicago and sets her mystery novels in places she’s lived. Her books have received countless awards!

Laura Huliska-Beith is a freelance illustrator living in Kansas City, Missouri. She graduated from the prestigious Kansas City Art Institute, and currently serves there as an adjunct professor teaching Junior Illustration. Huliska-Beith has illustrated several children’s books, including “Ten Little Lady Bugs,” and has authored one book. She enjoys making school visits and always incorporates drawing into her presentations.

Barb Rosenstock started her career in advertising, but decided to switch to education. While earning her master’s degree in elementary education, she started writing books on the side. Her writing career took off, and she now writes non-fiction picture books full-time. Her books have received many honors; for example “Thomas Jefferson Builds a Library” was named one of the Best Children’s Books for 2014 by Bank Street College of Education. Rosenstock lives in Vernon Hills, Illinois.

Tom Watson started working in politics, marketing and advertising in Chicago. He wrote and illustrated books for his children, and his wife suggested he share the books online. He did, and his Stick Dog book series became an immediate hit! Watson teaches students how to draw the characters from his graphic novels during his presentations.

For more information about Author Fest, contact Megan Hewitt, community relations coordinator, at 630-719-5805 or mhewitt@dg58.org.

View the event flyer.

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