NBF 2008

Jon Scieszka

It was pouring down rain when we met Jon Scieszka. He was so great--thanking US for waiting for him in the rain. Wow. I wish all the 4:00 signings were as much fun. Kadir Nelson, not so much. Hence, no picture of the pouter. (However, his new Abraham Lincoln book with Doreen Rappaport is FABULOUS!!! It was available only at the book festival!)

Tiki Barber

OK, I didn't actually get anything signed by Tiki, and I am glad. His line was crazy-long and full of kids wanting to meet their hero. I was in the line next to his, so I still got a great picture.

Alexander McCall Smith

I didn't meet Alex Smith at this book festival, either. My sister and I had met him several years ago at a book store. He was signing in the tent next to where I was standing, so again, I got a good picture.

Judith Viorst

OMG! What a delight she is!! The man in front of me in line actually had a tatoo on his leg of Alexander. He was so excited to show her, and she was thrilled (and a little scared) to see it. She signed three books for me. Then I saw her crossing the street later and took her picture. Repeat after me, "I am not a stalker; I am not a stalker!"

Jan Brett

What a great day!!! The skies threatened, but the rain did not come down on us until 3:30, just as we lined up for the last authors of the day. We were not deterred!! We spent the whole day over in the author signing area, and it was definitely worth it. The biggest coup: JAN BRETT!!! We waited over two hours in line to meet her. It was so worth it. She was so kind and wonderful and signed for hours and hours.

That's all I can write about now. There were more. Marc Brown and Judy Sierra, Joseph Bruchac, Katherine Paterson, Steven Kellogg, Andrea Davis Pinkney. It was a great day.