Known as The Creative Librarian, I love to read, write, and draw – just stop by my elementary school library and check out my bulletin boards and book displays (or follow me on social media) and you’ll see why!   This is why I am so excited about our children’s and teen’s workshop lineup this year. You and your child(ren) will thoroughly enjoy the variety offered at GBF 2018.

Elementary School

Journal Writing for Young Sports Fans

In an energetic and interactive workshop, join local children’s sports author Fred Bowen teach participants how to keep a sports journal about their favorite professional team or their own team

The Secret to Every Great Story

Participants will explore the question: what makes us tell each other stories? Through interactive activities, hunt for a secret to all great story-telling with author J.H. Deihl. This workshop is a great way to jumpstart writing one’s own story!

Drawing Dragons and Monsters

Come join author-illustrator Steve Light and learn how to draw a dragon and a monster! Steve will give some drawing demos of his favorite creatures and encourages kids and their grown-ups to follow along with him.

Popping up with Robert Sabuda

Ever wonder how pop-up books work? Learn from the world’s leading expert! Join bestselling children’s pop-up book artist and paper engineer Robert Sabuda as he leads children and their grownups on a pop-up making escapade.

Middle to High School

Make it Snappy!

Using mentor texts and examples from her own revision process, Author Sarah Albee will discuss strategies to help kids bring their own writing to the next level. Geared especially to those with an interest in humorous/lively writing, these craft techniques can be useful for writers of both fiction and nonfiction.

Untamed Voices – The Writer Within

Led by poet/writer/performer Vincent Hill, this workshop is a creative writing experience geared towards identifying the writer within each of us. In a fun, interactive space, participants will learn that everything in life can be a muse to their pen.

 Fantasy Prompts for Young Writers

In this workshop, published author Annabelle Jay will lead young writers in a series of fantasy prompts. Appropriate for beginners and more experienced writers alike, this session will inspire participants and give them several story beginnings to expand on at home. Adults are also welcome! 

Comics Character Team Up

Join author-illustrator Dave Roman (Astronaut Academy, Agnes Quill, Teen Boat) and special guest (it could be YOU)  for an interactive workshop that’s all about developing silly and unique characters and collaborating with fellow artists to create unexpected comic stories full of twists and turns.

See you at GBF 2018 on Saturday, May 19th!  ~Melissa McDonald (Children’s and Teen’s Workshop Coordinator)