The Silver Unicorn Bookstore in Acton, Mass., opened its doors to readers for its third annual Kids' Graphic Novel Festival on May 3. More than 3,000 guests sat in on panels, drawing presentations, and a keynote speech from Gale Galligan. The festival also hosted a Design Your Own Cover contest for young artists, and Iron Cartoonist, a live game show featuring several graphic novelists. “The event went off marvelously. If our first two years were about establishing a new tradition, this year was about solidifying it,” said Paul Swydan, owner of Silver Unicorn. “It is always so amazing to see kids light up when they get to interact with their favorite authors, and see them discover new favorites as well.” We’ve gathered highlights from the event. All photos by Jessica Cronin Photography, except where noted.

Graphic novelist Gale Galligan opens the day with a keynote.

(From l.): Violet Chan Karim, Shaina Lu, Hope Larson, and Ben Clanton partake in the Boston Comics Arts Foundation Iron Cartoonist competition.

Tom Angleberger gives a drawing demonstration during his presentation.

Nathan Hale greets a reader at a book signing.

The How to Create a Graphic Novel panel, featuring (from l.) Nick Bruel, Violet Chan Karim, Aliza Layne, and Nathan Hale.

(From l.): moderator Cameron Chittock, Angela Dominguez, Gale Galligan, Jules Bakes, and Emma Hunsinger onstage for the Being the New Kid panel.

Shaina Lu chats with a reader at her book signing.

Mark Hoffmann (l.) and John Patrick Green host Gab ‘n’ Doodle.

Cindy Chang (l.) gives a drawing demonstration with host Ellen Crenshaw.

Niki Smith chats with a fan while signing a copy of her book Sea Legs.

Kekla Magoon (c.) speaks with a fan.

(From l.) Paul Swydan, Violet Chan Karim, and the hosts of NBC’s The Hub Today, Hannah Donnelly and Kwani Lunis, ahead of an interview. Photo: Casey Robinson.

(From back row. l.): participating comics creators Kekla Magoon, Mark Hoffmann, Hope Larson, Aliza Layne, Tom Angleberger, Nick Bruel, Nathan Hale, Violet Chan Karim, John Patrick Green, Cameron Chittock, Jason Viola (front row, from l.) Sara Farizan, Emma Hunsinger, Cindy Chang, Niki Smith, Jules Bakes, Salwa Majoka, Shaina Lu, Christine D.U. Chung, Angela Dominguez, Gale Galligan, Ben Clanton, and Andy Chou Musser.