Crankleberry Johnson

So, when our kids were little and not their usual adorable, perky, above-average selves, I would wonder aloud if Crankleberry Johnson had come to visit.

Well, he came to visit me today. The Seattle Times had quite a nice feature about the upcoming Northwest Bookfest, taking place in Kirkland, Washington, October 1 and 2. Lovely photo of Ivan Doig  (darling man). Lovely photo of Karl Marlantes (tough book: Matterhorn). Sweet photo of "popular young adult/paranormal author" Richelle Mead. 

Two precious columns of information about the event.

Not one "stick" (old-fashioned newspaper term; about 150 words) about all of the amazing children's/YA authors appearing, donating their time, energy and expertise, including: Jennifer Bradbury, Erik Brooks, Deb Caletti, Holly Cupala, Karen Cushman, Heather Davis, Kevin Emerson, Sundee Frazier, Liz Gallagher, Suzanne Kaufman, Peg Kehret, Laura Kvasnosky, Deb Lund, Clare Meeker, J. Elizabeth Mills,  Craig Orback, Dave Patneaude, Cat Patrick, Suzanne Selfors, Joni Sensel, Samantha Vamos, Wendy Wahman, Richard Jesse Watson, and Suzanne Williams (please forgive me if I've left anyone out!).

Part of me wants to say: what are we, chopped liver? Part of me wants to say, shame on you, Seattle Times. Because if we don't cultivate and celebrate reading in the young, who will be reading Ivan Doig or Karl Marlantes?

Just asking.

Do me a favor: if you live in Puget Sound, check out the full Northwest Bookfest schedule here and come out and support books written and illustrated for readers of all ages.

And tell them Crankleberry Johnson sent  you.