ScholarShare Children's Book Festival

The ScholarShare Children's Book Festival returns for a 12th annual celebration of books, reading and childhood on September 29 and 30. The two-day Festival-the largest early childhood literacy event in the region-is free to the public, thanks to the generous support of ScholarShare College Savings Plan.

 The Festival features dynamic presentations from children's book authors and illustrators, storytelling performances, hands-on literacy activities, a book fair and information booths from literacy and arts organizations.

 "With our nursery rhyme and fairytale-themed park, Fairytale Town is the perfect place to engage children and encourage reading," said Kathy Fleming, executive director of Fairytale Town. "The ScholarShare Children's Book Festival is a great opportunity for children and parents alike to renew or create a love of reading."

 This year's featured children's book authors include: Bob Barner, Dorina Lazo Gilmore, Sandy Lynne Holman, Heather Leigh, Bethany Telles, Joanne Jeffers Veeck and Dawn Wynne. Featured illustrators include Felipe Davalos, Michael Slack and Kenneth Spengler. Hazuki Kataoka of Storycard Theater will give a storytelling performance featuring their traditional Japanese picture-card stories called "kamishibai," meaning "paper theater." Educator and Sacramento State professor Francie Dillon will also be on hand to present read-aloud techniques for parents.

 The Festival is sponsored by ScholarShare College Savings Plan. Additional sponsors include Wells Fargo, Blue Diamond Growers, Ronald McDonald House Charities, IKEA, Sierra Health Foundation and Time Tested Books. Media sponsors include Mix 96, Sacramento magazine, KVIE Channel 6, The Sacramento Bee and News 10.

What:  12th Annual ScholarShare Children's Book Festival
When:  Saturday & Sunday, September 29 & 30
Time:   10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Cost:   Free. Adults must be accompanied by children.
Where:  Fairytale Town, 3901 Land Park Drive, Sacramento CA 95822
Phone:  (916) 808-7462