Children’s Literature Conference

2021 Children's Literature Conference

“Everything’s Better with Books”

Dear Teachers, Librarians and Lovers of Children’s Books,

You, dear educators, are among the heroes.

You have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic bringing books and children together.  With your own money, you purchased numerous books for your students. You were a summer pen pal to every child in your class. You canvased neighborhoods, delivering breakfast and books because you know that feeding the brain is as important as feeding the body. You brought excitement as the Reading is Magical Parade wheeled into neighborhoods. Neighbors looked on in wonderment and children smiled with pride as they watched their teacher, dressed as a masked unicorn and carrying an armload of books, arrived at the door. You have done all of these things and more to place books in the hands of children.

You are the magic. You inspire us. 

Even though the coronavirus is still with us, it will not dampen our enthusiasm to bring the best and brightest children’s authors and illustrators in the field to you. Over the last 35 years, thousands of teachers and librarians have gathered together on Shenandoah University’s campus to spend a week laughing, reading, and meeting the creators of the books we love.

This year we can’t gather together in person, so we will come to you and your students.

Yes, your students!  During the summer conferences, many of you told us that you wished your students had the opportunity to meet the authors and illustrators. Well, this year, we will make it happen.

From April through June, we will bring the joy of literature right to your classroom.  We’ll be offering a collection of 35 virtual events created with educators like you in mind. Experiences will range from classroom author visits to art classes and writing workshops with award-winning authors and illustrators.

We have also planned something special just for you.

You will have the opportunity to attend after school Happy Hours with the authors and illustrators and enjoy in-depth conversations about the stories behind the stories.  So, gather your colleagues and your students and join us from April through June for some or all of these events because it is true that “Everything’s Better With Books.” 

Thank you for all you have done and for all you continue to do for the children.  We hope to see you this spring.

With respect and gratitude,

Shenandoah University Children’s Literature Conference Faculty and Staff