As many of you know, the last year and half has been a rocky one. One brain tumor removed. Check. Two seizures. Check, check. One broken nose thanks to that second seizure. Check, check, check. But with all of these rocks thrown my way, there has been so much more good thrown my way as well. And I cannot tell you how incredibly grateful I am for the encouragement and support that I’ve received from the kidlit community.
I know you must be wondering how does any of this tie into the Chesapeake Children’s Book Festival? Good question. I was just about to get to that.
Because of the seizures, I can’t drive. And the benefit of not being able to drive meant I could bum a ride to and from the Chesapeake Children’s Book Festival with the AMAZING Doreen Cronin.
Doreen Cronin
I met Doreen back in 2012 when she came to my son’s school for an author visit. At the time, my website and blog were brand spanking new and I hoped Doreen would let me take some photos of her visit for the blog. Not only did Doreen let me take some pictures, but she also let me do an interview. (Click here for the link to that interview.) Since I was beyond excited to do the interview (never mind the fact that I can’t draw), I even did a quick comic strip titled, “Tales From ‘I Can’t Believe My Mom Took My Beloved Doreen Cronin Books.’ ”
Now, onto Chesapeake. It was nothing short of AWESOME!!!!
On Friday night, Timothy and Melanie Young hosted an incredible author dinner at their lovely home. Their dog, Presto, provided much entertainment chasing their two cats. (The cats didn’t seem to be bothered by Presto’s antics.) Since I was so enjoying The Presto Show, I forgot to take pics.
But at the festival the next day, I did manage to grab a few shots. Below are some photographic highlights:
The 2019 Chesapeake Children’s Book Festival Authors and Illustrators
I would like to shout out a GINORMOUS THANK YOU to Timothy Young, Melanie Young, Sabine Simonson, Laura Powell, to all the amazing volunteers at the Talbot County Free Library who made the day extraordinarily special, and to Presto and the cats. One of the things that makes this festival so special is that students can participate in the Talbot County Free Library Summer Reading Program entitling them to receive one free book.
This year’s festival was also dedicated in loving memory of the amazing Susan Kehoe, who ran the 2018 fundraising efforts for the festival.
robinnewmanbooks.wordpress.com 
Thanks so much for this post. I was starting to feel homesick for Maryland and am proud that there is such a wonderful book festival there!
It’s a wonderful festival. I hope you get a chance to attend it one of these years.
I am so glad you enjoyed yourself! Thanks for sharing the fun and your enthusiasm. ❤
😍
Festival fun! So glad you were part of it all.
Thanks, Cathy! Hope you get a chance to take part in the festivities. You’ll 💜 Chesapeake Children’s Book Festival.
Such a great festival!!!
Agreed! I ❤️💜💙💚 Chesapeake Children’s Book Festival!
That is awesome how you met and got a ride w/Doreen Cronin & got to be with Miranda and Wendy and other authors! Some day, I hope to be at one…
I so hope you’ll be able to attend one of the festivals. Chesapeake is just magical!
Every festival is like a mini reunion. I’m so happy to be a part of the KidLit community! You can always count on Robin to have the coolest swag! The light-up peacock rings were fantastic!
Thanks, Colleen! So glad we were able to catch up a bit at the festival. xoxo
Looks like you all had such a wonderful time. Brava to you Robin for your courage and continued enthusiasm for all things regarding kidlit.You are an inspiration!
It was an awesome day, Darlene! 💕
Well, all of this is just wonderful. First, that you’re able to keep on keeping on after/during your health crises. I don’t have a brain tumor, but I do have a seizure disorder (grand mal). Mine are not often, and they are ‘containable’ (ie, I’ve been pretty darn good at containing them) but I got several concussions from them. I hope your seizures are in control. I know how scary they are.
On the other part of your post, I’m inspired and happy learning about the Chesapeake Children’s Book Festival. I live in the Boston area, but my brother lives in Maryland. Maybe I could see if my new children’s book (out this Fall) and my first one (Birds of Paradise) could be part of next year’s festival!
Pam, I’m so sorry to hear you have to deal with seizures too! Very scary. Everything crossed you don’t have another one. And in terms of Chesapeake, definitely apply. Without a doubt, it’s one of my favorite book festivals. There were over 2500 people in attendance this year.
WOW! That’s a huge attendance. I’ll go on their web site and apply. Or should my publisher do that? I’m never sure the proper procedures. Crossing everything (fingers/toes/eyes) for you also. xo
Pam, You can apply. Good luck!
Okay, will do!