LA Times Festival of Books wrap-up

G, Z and I had a great time in LA. We did some sightseeing and Zoe had her first big Hollywood meeting with her daddy's film/tv rights manager -- Eddie Gamarra of the Gotham Group. But of course our primary objective was to rock out at the LA Times Festival of Books. Target had a stellar line up for Saturday's children's stage. David Shannon, Meghan McDonald, Anna Dewdney, Yo Gabba Gabba -- the list goes on and on! Backstage we met Brooke Shields, Yeardley Smith and Eric Carle. If only Zoe knew what was going on. Although, she may now know the word "Krosoczka". Because apparently when I was being introduced, every time the  MC (Debi Derryberry, voice of Jimmy Neutron) said my name, Zoe was backstage raising her arms to the word "Krosoczka".

The biggest highlight had to be meeting Eric Carle. I had met him in passing a few times back when the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art first opened, but he had left for warmer southern climates by the time I moved to Northampton. I've always been a fan of his and respected his work, but now that I have been reading his work to my little girl -- I am in awe. He is truly a brilliant man. I'll gladly read The Very Hungry Caterpillar dozens of times in a row . . . and have and loved every minute of it. 

The weather was perfect and the audience was awesome! Here's what it looked like backstage from wife and daughter's perspective.

Avid reader Yukari posted some pics and a video on her Flickr page. Yukari also gave Zoe an awesome handmade tag blanket. Check out her stuff. 

And of course what's a book related trip to LA without meeting the town's most high profile literary character. Here I am with Peep and his (her?) friend Lisa Yee.

Target had a jam-packed day on Sunday as well. Unfortunately, we had to fly home. But I did see some pals in passing at the hotel -- like Jennifer and Matthew Holm, Peter Brown and Jon Scieszka.

Hope all who attended had a great weekend!