Bentonville Youth Literature Festival to focus on book creation process

Bentonville’s Second Annual Youth Literature Festival will be hosted by the Bentonville Public Library and Bentonville Library Foundation on Saturday (April 23).

Featured presenters will include bestselling young adult authors Karen Akins (LOOP and TWIST) and Mary Casanova (Frozen, American Girl series). The festival seeks to teach children and adults about the book creation process, from conception to finished product. Further presentations will be offered by authors, illustrators, and other professionals involved in the book creation process, including Kashmira Sheth, Obert Skye, Roland Smith, Marie Smith, Michael Spradlin, Cheryl Harness, Henry Cole, Ard Hoyt, and Janet Wong.

The inaugural event in 2015 brought in more than 1,250 students, teachers, and parents. Tina Hoisington, teacher and 2015 festival volunteer, credited “the variety of writers and illustrators that were showcased” as one of the festival’s strengths.

“They are people who possess amazing talent, humility, thankful hearts, and genuine interest in their readers,” Hoisington added.

On Saturday, 21 presentations are scheduled throughout the day, along with library activities, book sales, and book signings. Featured sessions for teenagers and teachers are planned on Saturday as well, with special sessions added for Friday (April 22) and Monday (April 25) for adults and homeschoolers.

Bentonville’s Youth Lit Fest is supported by volunteers, grants, private donations, sponsorships and in-kind contributions.  A portion of the book sale proceeds go to support Bentonville Public Library.

All festival events at Bentonville Public Library are free and open to the public.  No registration is necessary. The full festival schedule is available at this link.