32nd Annual Northern Illinois Univ. Children's Lit Conference March 16, 1 unit credit, open to publishers

Children’s Literature Conference will explore ‘Right Book for the Right Reader’ March 16

NIU’s College of Education will host its 32nd annual Children’s Literature Conference Friday, March 16. This year’s theme is “The Right Book for the Right Reader.”

All sessions take place in the Holmes Student Center, beginning with the 8:15 a.m. welcome. Registration and a continental breakfast are scheduled for 7:30 a.m.

Featured speakers are author/illustrator Nic Bishop; non-fiction author Sneed Collard III; illustrator Floyd Cooper; and science fiction author Greg van Eekhout.

Breakout sessions are planned on:

• reaching reluctant readers;
• the best new books for children and young adults;
• a discussion on e-book readers; and
• how award-winning books are chosen.

An autograph session will complete the activities for the conference, and a bookstore also will be available that features children’s books by these and other authors.

Teachers and librarians will be able to listen to and interact with the authors, network and learn tips for helping reluctant readers connect with books.

Participants who would like to eat lunch with an author or illustrator should indicate their preference on the registration form. Seating is limited; tickets will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis.

CPDUs also will be available.

NIU also offers the opportunity to earn one hour of graduate credit. Registration for the conference is required to enroll for the graduate credit course. For complete information on registering for graduate credit, call (815) 753-3005.

Meanwhile, local authors and illustrators also are invited to purchase table to display their books and meet with participants from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 16.

The cost for the full conference is $125 (if paid no later than Thursday, Feb. 16) or $135. The NIU alumni rate is $115 (early bird) and $125. Registration includes handbook, breakfast and lunch, and all sessions. Meals cannot be guaranteed for those who register after Monday, March 5.

To cancel a registration, contact Outreach Registration in writing no later than Monday, March 12, by email at Outreachregistration@niu.edu or fax at (815) 753-6900. A $25 processing fee will be assessed. After March 12, no refund is available. Substitutions are permitted.

For more information, contact Marti Jernberg at (815) 753-3005 or mjernber@niu.edu.