One Book, Two Book Festival ‘blows story time out of the water’

IOWA CITY - When it's the right word, just one word - or even just a sound - can tell an entire story.

Author and illustrator David LaRochelle - who will be in Eastern Iowa on March 6 to 8 for the annual One Book, Two Book Festival - captivated kids and parents alike with 'Moo!” the story of a cow who takes the farmer's car for a wild ride through the country told entirely through the exclamation in its title.

LaRochelle has written and illustrated a range of books, from puzzle and craft books to a young adult novel throughout his career, which started in 1988, with 'A Christmas Gift.”

Picture books, though, are 'dearest to my heart,” he says.

'I love the short format and all the different possibilities this form offers. My books tend to be funny - I hope - and I love experimenting with unusual formats, such as telling a story with only one word like Moo! or writing a story with a plot that goes backward like The End.”

He's looking forward to sharing his work with young readers and writers at the festival dedicated to children's literature in Iowa City at the Sheraton Iowa City.

'It is very gratifying when I hear from young people, their parents, and teachers and librarians who enjoy my stories,” LaRochelle said. 'I want to keep making books that will make kids laugh, and hopefully want to write their own books.”

Now in its fourth year, the One Book Two Book Festival has grown to include a wide variety of activities all weekend long - from crafts and musical entertainment to a magician and author readings.

'This festival blows story time out of the water,” says John Kenyon, Executive Director of the Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature.

Like traditional festivals, it offers the chance for attendees - in this case, children and their families - to hear from published authors, like LaRochelle, about their work.

The three-day event, though, is also a chance to champion writing by children.

On March 6, the festival kicks off with the Once Upon a Time banquet. LaRochelle will speak as will students from 21 area elementary schools who will read.

'The One Book Two Book Festival is especially exciting because it celebrates the work of young writers, and validates that they are genuine authors as well,” LaRochelle says. 'Sometimes the arts can get overlooked at schools, and a festival like this shows young people that creativity is important and valued.

March 8's Write out Loud event offers another showcase of local young writers. More than 800 students in the Corridor submitted one page of original writing. The writing is being judged by a panel of professionals from Pearson and award winners will be named at each grade level. Those individuals will be invited to read at an event in MacBride Auditorium from 1 to 3 p.m.

'We are really proud to be recognizing the student writers in our community,” added Kenyon. 'And it's really inspiring to hear these kids. We love the opportunity to put them a pedestal and let them know what they do is important. It lets these kids know how important it is to be creative.”

Events on March 7 include a free presentation LaRochelle, a book fair, book character meet and greet, toy train play time and more.

'Attending festivals like this gives me a chance to meet the kids and families who are reading my books,” LaRochelle says. 'Most of the work of an author is done alone, and it is very rewarding to discover that other people are actually reading my books.

Other Saturday highlights include a presentation by Iowa City author Claudia McGehee, who will debut her new book, 'My Wilderness: An Alaskan Adventure,” the Comic Book Confidential workshop for 5 to 8 graders, the Junior High Writing Jam in partnership with the Iowa Youth Writing Project, and an illustration workshop for students in grades 2 to 6. Preregistration is required for the comics and illustration workshops and the Writing Jam at Onebooktwobook.org.

One Book Two Book will, for the first time, also feature events that specifically appeal to parents and aspiring authors in attendance. 'Our adult track of programming will have sessions on guided participatory play, how to do story time, and then there will be an author panel for those interested in children's literature and publishing. It will be a place where adults can feel comfortable asking questions.”

IF YOU GO

What: One Book, Two Book Festival

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 7

Where: Sheraton Iowa City,

210 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City

For more information: Onebooktwobook.org