American Association of School Librarians

Last week I searched Google Images for a pic of this statue across the street from the Charlotte Convention center. Didn't find it anywhere. Now, I have a feeling it is about to show up all over Facebook with images of smiling media specialists.

That's because American Association of School Librarians' Conference is meeting in Charlotte. I spent the day at the conference. And Carol Baldwin and I fulfilled a wish to get a picture of ourselves with these books.

I attended one of several workshops Carol presented this weekend. I love watching Carol present which is a good thing since I'll be spending next week teaching with her at NCCAT. Carol and I co-lead seminars for teachers and also co-author the Talking Story e-newsletter.

From Carol's workshop I dashed to the exhibit floor where I signed books at the Author Pit Stop.

What a great event. Authors were assigned to various stations across on the exhibit floor and librarians tracked us down or just bumped into us. It was a leisurely way to connect and I saw lots of old friends.

I was honored to share a table with Jennifer Jabaley, author of the brand new Lipstick Apology. Here she is with one of her fans. I haven't read this book but the premise is intriguing and the enthusiastic response from librarians tells me this is one I want to read!

Jennifer and I had fun with Tessa, an effervescent librarian who I met on a school visit to South Carolina last year!

Stephen Messer, introduced himself to us also. Don't have a pic but he seems like a super swell fellow who wrote this forthcoming fantasy novel. Windblowne is due out in May 1010 from Random House. Does this look like fun, or what? Congratulations, Stephen! I hope you and your book fly high!
I signed books at my publisher's booth. And connected with readers there. But oh, the day was a blur and now I've forgotten who's in this pic with me. Maybe she'll speak up and tell me. (Please!)