Join us on Oct. 18, 2008 for the Gwinnett Reading Festival, featuring authors and fun events for all ages! Below are a few of the highlights from the 2007 festival. Watch for 2008 festival information, coming soon.

Carmen Deedy

Popular children's writer and storyteller Carmen Deedy was born in Havana, Cuba but immigrated with her family to the United States in 1963. Growing up in Decatur, Georgia, Deedy was exposed to both Southern and Latin American storytelling influences. Deedy is the author of several award-winning children's books, including The Yellow Star: The Legend of King Christian X of Denmark (2000), and The Library Dragon (1994).

Her most recent book, Martina the Beautiful Cockroach: A Cuban Folktale, will be published by Peachtree Publishers in both English and Spanish this fall. Catch her performance from 11-12 on the Main Stage.

Ken Scott: The Magic of Reading

Ken Scott, a magician who wows audiences, brings his bag of tricks, including music, magic, and fun, all in the name of reading. A great friend of Gwinnett County Public Library, Ken has performed at the White House and at The World Famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, California. With 20 years of experience, he has entertained over a million people with more than 350 shows.

See Ken perform from 1-2 pm on the Main Stage.

Storyteller Rob Cleveland

Master storyteller, comedian, actor, and teacher Rob Cleveland delights audiences of all ages with his retellings of international folktales. Cleveland is storyteller-in-residence at Fernbank Museum of Natural History. He has appeared in more than 50 professional stage productions and headlined at numerous comedy clubs across the country. Rob performs on the Children's Stage from noon-12:30 and again from 2-2:30 pm.

Medieval Times

Return to the 11th century with fair ladies and gallant knights engaged in Medieval games of skill. Witness Knights of the Realm as they vie for the title in the King's tournament. Storytelling princesses give flair to your favorite children's tales. In the children's area from 2:30-3:30 pm.

How the Cookie Crumbles

Set in the cartoon world of 1868, Innocent Honey Mae Lamb is kidnapped by noted ne're-do-well land baron Dirt E. Crook. Honey Mae's mother (Mother Lamb) enlists the services of local all-around good guy Fruit Basket, a humble weaver from Beaver Falls, to find and save Honey Mae from Crook's evil clutches.

Presented by Lion Heart Theater Company at 10:00 am on the children's stage. Fun for the whole family.

Children's Crafts