Third, fourth, and fifth grade students at Bacon District Elementary School, along with the fourth and fifth graders from Phenix Elementary School recently had the experience of a lifetime. The children met renowned authors and illustrators at the Virginia Children’s Book Festival at Longwood University on Thursday, October 19. The first, second and third grade students from Phenix attended the festival on Friday, October 20. The festival lasted for three days and brought together authors and illustrators from around the world who promote the enjoyment of reading by sharing their experiences during exciting programs for the youth of Virginia. This was a free event to all who attended.

On Thursday, the students were able to see Jarrett Kroscozka, the author and illustrator of “The Lunch Lady” and “Jedi Academy” series. Antwon Brooks and Kyle Fallen, fifth graders from Bacon District Elementary, were chosen to help him during his presentation. The other presenter the students were able to see was Dan Santat. His book, “The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend” won the Caldecott Award in 2015. On Friday, the first, second, and third graders from Phenix were also able to see Dan Santat and then were able to hear books written by Todd Parr,  a renowned author and illustrator of over fifty children’s book. He shared his new book, “Love the World.”  After lunch, the children were taken on campus tours led by the Longwood Ambassadors, a group of Longwood students.

This was an amazing experience that the children enjoyed and also promoted reading.