The 16th Annual African American Children's Book Fair
Saturday, February 2, 2008
The 16th Annual African American Children's Book Fair, fast becoming a Philadelphia tradition, will be held on Saturday, February 2, 2008, from 1:00-3:00 pm, at the Community College of Philadelphia, 17th and Spring Garden Streets, Philadelphia. This event is sponsored by The African American Children's Book Project, and is free and open to the public.
The African American Children's Book Fair began on a cold frosty day at John Wanamaker Department Store in Center City with 250 attendees. Last year over 4,500 attended the event at Community College of Philadelphia from across the nation.
The program has been so tremendously successful because of the need and desire for literature reflecting the African-American experience, particularly through the eyes of children. The Book Fair exposes the Delaware Valley region to the best and brightest African-American children's authors and illustrators. The Book Fair is also important because it provides the latest trends in books and information to parents, educators, guardians and children that encourage the love of reading.
The Annual African American Children's Book Fair will present authors and illustrators of children's books who will read and autograph copies of their works. Children of all ages enjoy hearing the participants read selections from their books. These books promote a sense of cultural pride through positive portrayal of African-American figures. Many of the participating author/illustrators have won the Coretta Scott King best Children's Books Award issued by The American Library Association.
The event is a true book fair for children aged preschool through young adult. In addition to encouraging good reading habits, the book fair also promotes The African American Children's Book Project's slogan "Preserve A Legacy, Buy A Book." The Book Project seeks to help young children and caretakers understand the long term benefits of establishing good reading habits. Studies show that African-American children who read are more likely to make responsible lifestyle choices.
Another hallmark of the event is The Literary Row. Our sponsors and publishers distribute book related promotional items in this popular section at the book fair.
For more information contact: THE LITERARY - VANESSE J. LLOYD-SGAMBATI - (215) 877-2012.