Internationally acclaimed author and illustrator David Wiesner will bring his visual tales of flying animals and their adventures to life as he presents at a children’s literature conference today on campus.
Wiesner will present at the 24th Symposium on Books for Young Readers at the Gordon B. Hinckley Alumni and Visitors Center. The event is discounted for full-time undergraduate students to encourage them to attend.
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“The truth is that the imagination needs no outside stimulus,” Wiesner said in his speech. “To watch children at play is to see the mind in all its uninhibited glory.”
The two-day event is an opportunity for teachers, librarians, parents and anyone who has a passion for children’s literature, to interact with authors and illustrators about their craft. The focus of the symposium is to focus on the national field of children’s literature.
“We are passionate about children’s books and we want to share that passion with others,” said Rachel Wadham, Harold B. Lee Library education librarian and co-chair of the symposium.
Waldham was enthusiastic as she expressed her commitment to the field of children’s literature in all aspects, but especially the synergy that is created when people express their feelings and experiences about what they read.
“The symposium is a place to dialogue, to provide that talk in a context between you and the creator of that work,” Waldham said. “It provides a much more intimate context than you ever would experience before with a work … it brings the work to life.”
The symposium boasts six nationally recognized authors and illustrators of children’s literature, according to a news release. In addition to Wiesner, authors Gennady Spirin, Robert Burleigh, Susan Meddaugh and Rebecca Stead will be presenting.
The authors will share their creative process as well as their publishing experience. Attendees have the opportunity to participate in Q-and-A sessions. Additionally, two autograph sessions and four informal discussion groups with the authors and illustrators will be available.
This event is sponsored by BYU Department of Teacher Education, the Harold B. Lee Library, the Division of Continuing Education, the Bookstore and the Provo City Library.
Registration fees are $205 with college credit, $175 for full registration, $135 for Thursday-only, and $105 for Friday-only. Full-time undergraduate students receive discounted registration $25 and $10. Same day at-the-door registrations will be accepted on a space-available basis. For more information contact Harman Continuing Education by phone at 801-422-8925.
