09/08/10 jgm western kansas, local, area

HAYS, Kan. -- Six authors and illustrators from the United States and Japan will present to area third- through fifth-grade students from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 7 and Friday, Oct. 8 at Fort Hays State University. FHSU hosts the conference every other year.

The spirited Mike Thaler, also known as "America's Riddle King," will serve as the keynote speaker. Thaler has produced many well-known and loved characters in children's literature. Bubba and Bumpo from the "The Bully Brothers" books and some of his retold fairy tales like "Cinderella Bigfoot" have won numerous "Children's Choice" awards.

Morning and afternoon concurrent sessions will be in the FHSU Memorial Union presented by Dr. Charles Stinchcomb, a local veterinarian and author; Stephanie Bodeen, author of the award-winning "Babu's Song;" Kim Brown, the inspiration for Marc Brown's "D.W.;" and Anna Woltz, author and illustrator of the series "WonderToast Wonders About."

Rikako Yamada, Japanese author of "The Unordinary Elephant," will serve as the luncheon speaker. Yamada's appearance is made possible through a grant from The Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership.

Books will be on sale throughout each day, and both days conclude with an autographing session by all authors and illustrators.

The $15-per-day registration fee covers lunch, morning and afternoon snacks, and helps fund the visiting authors and illustrators.

For information on attending the Young Reader's Conference, please contact Dr. Beth Walizer, assistant professor of teacher education, at 785-628-5579 or bwalizer@fhsu.edu.