Last Saturday was the Las Vegas Book Festival! I went for the first time and helped host the Nevada SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) information booth with other volunteer members. I was so impressed with the amount of vendors, speakers, and activities. The Historic 5th Street School makes for a lovely venue with its Spanish architectural details.
I think we recruited a dozen or so new members; networked with booksellers, librarians, and teachers; and I even booked a school visit! We were encouraging visitors to “READ LOCAL!” and support Nevada authors and illustrators. It was also the most beautiful fall day we’ve had after a long and dreadfully hot summer.
There was even a special appearance by Mo Willems’ Elephant and Piggie. At our booth we had activity sheets from my book Nudi Gill and I taught kids how to make a zine from one piece of paper.
All in all it was a great experience and I look forward to attending again next year. I highly recommend checking it out. In my humble opinion, the nicest people in the world seem to be book people!
See you at the Las Vegas Book Festival next year!
Bonnie Kelso writes and illustrates books for children and adults that encourage individualism and brave self-expression. She facilitates art workshops for her local community and beyond. Her debut picture book, NUDI GILL, released April 4, 2023. SEA SMILES, the first of a three-part series, released February 20, 2024. Coming soon: WONDER OF THE WOODS and QUAIL TRAIL, releasing this fall. A lover of nature and travel, she often wanders about outside with her family whenever an excellent opportunity to do so presents itself.
Bonnie Kelso 
Thanks for sharing your adventures at this event!!!
📚🙂
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Thanks for reading, Susan!
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