Congratulations! Amy Parks-Heath Elementary

Amy Parks-Heath Elementary in Rockwall ISD is the winner of the free Kimberly Willis Holt school visit! Thanks to everyone who attended Star-Lit and participated in the contest!

Star-Lit, A Children's Literary Festival

More than 800 people attended the Fifth Annual Star-Lit, A Children's Literary Festival held on Saturday, October 20 at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Plano. Every year the festival, benefitting the Dallas Bethlehem Center, brings together several of today's best-loved children's authors and illustrators from across the country in a family atmosphere filled with scavenger hunts, raffles, face painting, and presentations and book signings by all attending authors.

The Dallas Bethlehem Center is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing the children of South Dallas a positive environment for growth, regardless of their economic status or family situation. 100% of the event proceeds go directly to the DBC. 

This year's outstanding authors and illustrators included Laura Numeroff (author, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie), Will Hillenbrand (illustrator, The Biggest, Best Snowman), Kimberly Willis Holt (author, When Zachary Beaver Came to Town), Bryan Collier (illustrator, Rosa), Dee Scallan & Daniel Myers (Moby Pincher's Hurricane Adventure), Kim Brown (inspiration for D.W. in Marc Brown's Arthur series), Cynthia Leitich Smith (author, Jingle Dancer), Greg Leitich Smith (author, Ninjas, Piranhas, and Galileo), and Tracy Dockray (illustrator, Ramona the Brave). Serving as honorary chair of the festival was Starlene Stringer, the Morning Show Co-Host/News Director for 94.1 KLTY.

Family members of all ages were invited to attend this celebration of reading and children's literature. An extra bonus to the festival was the chance to join the authors and illustrators for the annual Breakfast with the Authors, held one hour before the start of the festival. With only 100 tickets available, this year's breakfast sold out early and offered a great time for all who attended.