The ninth annual National Book Festival took place last Saturday in Washington, D.C., with a record-breaking attendance of more than 130,000. Numerous children’s book authors were present—Jon Scieszka, Kate DiCamillo, Jeff Kinney, Judy Blume, Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi, among many more. In all, more than 70 writers and illustrators read from, discussed and signed copies of their books at the daylong event. Visit School Library Journal for a recap of the Festival. Our extensive photo essay showing many of the participating authors follows.




L. to r.: Holly Black, Tony DiTerlizzi, David Shannon, Kadir Nelson, Jon Scieszka, Patrick Carman, Jerry Pinkney, Craig Hatkoff and Lois Lowry.


John Irving with David Shannon (and Mo Willems sneaking in).


Judy Blume, a featured speaker at the Library of Congress event, with the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature.


Dr. James Billington, Librarian of Congress, with Sharon Robinson.


L. to r.: Jim Leach, chairman for the National Endowment for the Humanities; Carmen Agra Deedy, author of 14 Cows for America; the LOC's Dr. James Billington; and Kimeli Naiyomah, who features in (and collaborated on) the picture book. Naiyomah presented Leach and Billington with a copy of the book signed and blessed by all the elders of his tribe in Kenya; the book will be passed along to President Obama and the First Lady.


Wimpy Kid author Jeff Kinney signs a copy of this year's NBF poster.


James L. Swanson gives a presentation.


Rick Riordan signs books for fans.


An interview with Lois Lowry, author of the new picture book Crow Call.


39 Clues and Skeleton Creek author Patrick Carman surveys the crowds.


Editor Joanna Cotler with Sharon Creech, most recently the author of The Unfinished Angel.


Creech had plenty of fans in attendance: here readers show off copies of their favorites.


Paula Deen signed copies of her new cookbook for young readers.


Sharon Robinson and Kadir Nelson.


Holly Black, Jacqueline Woodson and Tony DiTerlizzi.


Craig Hatkoff with the dolphin tail prosthesis from his new picture book, Winter's Tail.


David Shannon with Kate DiCamillo.