Texas Book Festival ~ Austin, TX

October 27-28, 2012

Texas State Capitol Building

Austin, TX

The 16th annual Texas Book Festival is next weekend and we can't wait to go! I have heard from friends for a few years how great of an event this is, but we always had sports to contend with. Not this year - we have cleared some space to head on down to the Capitol and meet some amazing authors.

Established in 1995 by First Lady Laura Bush, the Texas Book Festival has quickly evolved into one of the "premier literary events in the country." It honors and features over 200 Texas and nationally-known authors. The schedule is packed with events - from sessions discussion author's books to story time and puppet shows for little ones.

There are many authors featured to interest any literary fan. Cheryl Strayed, author of the popular Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail will be hosting a conversation. Tony Danza of TV fame discusses his year in teaching public school. There are authors from all genres featured - biography, mystery, cooking, politics, etc. Click here to see the full schedule.

I was most excited about all the fun for children that is scheduled at the Texas Book Festival:

Children's Read Me a Story Tent (13th & Colorado)

Every half hour, a new story will be read by the author, including some of the following:

Dinosaur vs. Santa by Bob Shea
Creepy Carrots by Peter Brown
One Day I Went Rambling by Kelli Bennett
A Pirate's Twelve Days of Christmas by Phillip Yates
Oh No! by Caldecott Winner, Eric Rohmann

Also, on Saturday at 3:00, be the first to find out who made the list of Texas Literary Association's Bluebonnet Master List. 20 books are picked each year to promote reading in 3rd thru 6th grade.

Children's Entertainment Tent (West Capitol driveway near Colorado St.)

Every hour features fun entertainment for little ones (and their parents!). Here is just a few examples of the fun:

Joe McDermott
Hand to Mouth Puppert Theatre
Brain Quest
Biscuit Brothers
Magician Kent Cummins

Children's Activity Tent (Colorado St. between 12th & 13th)

Fun, hands-on activities for kids with various authors. Here is just some of the fun:

Austin Dog Alliance - Meet the Bow Wow Reading Dogs and create your own book to read to your pets at home
Become a Fashion Designer- learn how to make fun, fab outfits
Make your own Texas Book Festival Souvenir
Animals, Animal, Animals - learn how to draw fun creatures with illustrators

Family Life Center (1300 Lavaca) (Saturday only)

Participate in events with:

Conversations with authors of middle school lit
Captain Underpants! authors
Ivy & Bean author

Please check the Texas Book Festival website for a full schedule - you will be amazed at how much there is to do!

This is such an awesome opportunity for kids to meet the authors behind some of their favorite books and learn about new favorite authors too. We can't wait to go!

About the Texas Book Festival:

Sessions are FREE and open to the public, with a first come, first serve policy
When the sessions are full, no one will be allowed in, so come early to ensure a seat
No food or drinks allowed in the Capitol, but a food tent will be on grounds
Adult & Young Writers Authors book signings will be in the Book Signing Tent (Congress, between 10th & 11th)
Children's Book Signing Tent is at 13th & Colorado
Proceeds from book sales help fund the festival, therefore all books to be signed MUST be purchased at the Barnes & Noble Sales tents. (a receipt must be presented)
FREE parking will be available at the event at the following locations: