The South Carolina State Library is proud to announce award winning authors Peter Brown and Will Hillenbrand will be featured at StoryfestSC 2013--the state's summer reading program kick-off event. Families from across the state will be able to celebrate the 2013 Collaborative Summer Library Theme Dig into Reading! at a free event for families held at the State Museum in Columbia on June 1, 2013.
StoryfestSC exposes families to children's authors and the art of story and fosters an excitement for reading, especially throughout the summer. All of South Carolina's public libraries participate in the State Library coordinated summer reading program.
Peter Brown has always loved telling stories. Growing up in New Jersey, he drew pictures to tell stories of whimsical characters and scenes from his imagination. Then as a teenager, he fell in love with writing, and told his tales with words. He was working on animated TV shows when he was hired to write and illustrate his first picture book. Peter's books, such as The Curious Garden, Will You Be My Friend! and most recently Creepy Carrots! have earned him numerous honors, including a 2013 Caldecott honor.
Will Hillenbrand is a celebrated author and illustrator whose published works include over fifty books for young readers. He has lived almost all of his life in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he grew up as the youngest of four boys surrounded by stories. Later Will went to art school, and after taking a class in picture book art, he decided to try illustrating children's literature. He says his goal is to leave audiences inspired and geared up to create their own work, and to help them discover the great joy and passion for books and knowledge that resides within each of them. His books, such as Kite Day, Spring is Here, and Bear in Love, are beloved by readers everywhere.
Events will be held on Saturday, June 1st at the South Carolina State Museum at 301 Gervais Street from 9am to 4pm and will be free to the public. Events include presentations by each author, storytelling sessions with local storytellers and featured storyteller Tim Sonefelt, craft area with face painting, visits from popular characters, and a Readers Theater presentation. This year's event will also include a session for teens featuring the Teen Media SC program highlighting the short films submitted to the State Library's video contest. The day's events will bring families from across the state to participate in fun, learning activities in a safe, family friendly setting. For more information, visit http://www.statelibrary.sc.gov/storyfestsc-2013.
