Four authors, who will be participating in the Vancouver Island Children’s Book Fest May 7 in Nanaimo, will also be putting in appearances in Ladysmith the week of May 2, during the lead up to the main event.
Arthur Slade, winner of the Governor General’s award and the Mr. Christie award will be at Ladysmith Intermediate School.
Leah Dorion, who has illustrated and written stores about Metis culture, will be at Ladysmith Library May 5 from 10 to 11 a.m.
Sheree Fitch, a four-time writer in residence in a healing and writing camp in Nunavut, who has also participated in international schools in Africa, China, Belize, and Asia, will present her stories and poetry at Ladysmith Primary School.
Marie Louise Gay, who has written or illustrated over 60 books for kids will also be at Ladysmith Primary School.
For children, youth and families there will more to see – including Ladysmith’s guest authors – at Book Fest. Other writers include, Julie Flett, Jeremy Tankard and Ria Voros.
Youth interested in graphic novels will want to take in presentations by Ashley Spires and Chris Tougas.
They may also want to attend Book Fest and Art Lab’s first ever graphic novel workshop for teens, put on by Joan Steacy and Ken Steacy.
Instructors at Camosun College in Victoria, they are award winning artists: Joan as a visual artist whose work won the Doug White Award; Ken as a comic book author and illustrator, who has been inducted into the Canadian Comic Book Hall of Fame. To register call 250-754-1750
“Book Fest 2016 is pulling out all the stops for the 30th anniversary” says a release. “Bring your families for a day-long celebration, readings with your favorite Canadian authors, puppet shows for preschoolers, fiddle music, circus style acts and face painting.”
For more information go to bookfest.ca or ask at the Ladysmith Library. Tickets are available at the Port Theatre Box office 250-754-8550 or May 7 at the Diana Krall Plaza.