My local library district is sponsoring a month of programs and author events for all ages October 1-31.  Today, October 6^th I attended the book signing for local authors. It was a great way to meet and network with Colorado authors.   I enjoyed meeting Avi, who now resides in Denver.  Avi’s book Sophia’s War is a winner of both the Newberry Honor and Newberry Medal.

Avi is part of a family of writers extending back into the 19th century. Born in 1937 and raised in New York City, Avi was educated in local schools, before going to the Midwest and then back to NYC to complete his education.  He started out as a playwright-while working for many years as a librarian.  H e began writing books for young people when the first of his kids came along.

I took a photo with Avi

I also had an opportunity to chat with Denise Vega, SCBWI co-regional advisor for the rocky mountain chapter.  Two weeks ago, I sat through Denise’s presentation for children’s author at the Colorado/Wyoming fall SCBWI conference.

Authors are such friendly people, here I am posing with Denise Vega!

The library even arranged to have a representative from Barnes&Noble attend .  The representative came with boxes full of books for all the authors .  I took a picture of him standing next to twenty copies of my two trilingual children’s picture  books.

I am so pleased that such programs exist.  It is such an honor to be appreciated.  One grandmother purchased four copies of my book and had me autograph them for her grand children.  I have another book signing on 23rd of October; I am looking forward to meeting more local authors.