(This article reprinted from New England Libraries, Vol. 3, No. 2: February, 2007.)
NERTCL plans to "Leave 'em Laughing" in March
A terrific line-up of speakers is sure to "Leave 'em Laughing" – NERTCL's standalone program coming up on Friday, March 23 from 10-4 at Worcester State College Student Center.
Focusing on the humor genre in literature for children and young adults, the speakers include:
Jarrett J. Krosoczka, the author/illustrator of the award-winning Punk Farm, My Buddy Slug, and Giddy up, Cowgirl, among others. He will share his cutting edge humor so evident in his work as well as on his website (www.studiojjk.com). Jarrett is now looking forward to the Fall 2007 release of Punk Farm on Tour and his upcoming series of graphic novels.
Gail Gauthier, popular author of books for middle grade readers. She has been described by reviewers as one who "enjoys poking fun at sacred cows", which is evident in her books such as Happy Kid!, Saving the Planet & Stuff, The Hero of Ticonderoga, and Club Earth among others. Gail will present "Where Does Humor Come From and What Can a Writer Do With It!" Check out her website – www.gailgauthier.com.
Kathleen Odean, well known children's book expert and author. Kathleen brings her considerable experience as children's librarian, SLJ reviewer and chair of the 2002 Newbery Award Committee to her well-known series of Great Books for Boys, Great Books for Girls, Great Books about Things Kids Love and Great Books for Babies and Toddlers. She will present "Who Decides What's Funny? Evaluating Humor in Books." For more info see www.kathleenodean.com
All speakers will participate in a Closing Panel and a Booksigning will follow. Books will be sold from 9am-4pm.
And…watch out for the wicked humor interspersed throughout the day by stand-up comic, Dan the Librarian (yes, he really has two careers!).
Registration for the day is $45 for NELA or NERTCL members, $60 for non-members and $30 for full-time students. This includes morning coffee, pastries and a box lunch ... along with the entertaining and thought-provoking day! Registration deadline is March 12th. For more information and a registration form, please visit www.nelib.org/nertcl/.