A celebration of imagination and curiosity at Children’s Literature Festival

It was a slightly smaller conference than usual at the 29th Annual Charlotte S. Huck Children’s Literature Festival. Nevertheless, educators, librarians, teachers and book lovers enjoyed learning from authors, illustrators, researchers, curators and experts about what is new in children’s literature.

“I know she would be thrilled to see you all here today,” said Char Burgess, chair of the festival’s planning committee, referring to her aunt Charlotte S. Huck, the festival’s namesake.

Redlands Unified Superintendent Juan Cabral also spoke at the opening session. “Cultural relevancy matters and getting excited about reading is important,” Cabral said. “One of our board goals is literacy by third grade, and it is integral for students’ learning.”

On the first day of the two-day event, the Charlotte S. Huck Award was presented to award-winning author Nikki Grimes. It was her third time at the festival. The first award was handed out at the 10th annual festival in 2006.

“Charlotte’s vision for children’s book authors and illustrators was something very special, and bringing children and books together was a lifelong passion for her,” Burgess said. “It defines the person being honored this year, whose works include a wide variety of high-quality children’s literature, including poetry, which was very dear to Charlotte’s heart.”

“I am truly honored. Thank you, Char. Wow,” Grimes said as she received the award.

In her keynote speech, Grimes spoke about the importance of letting students dream, including daydreaming and using their imagination. “The more tender the heart, the more delicate our dreams are. That’s especially true in challenging times,” she said. “Nothing sees, supports or strengthens a dream as surely and consistently as a good book.” She added, “We need to nurture the dreams of our young. If we do this, there’s no telling what great things they might accomplish.”

Award-winning author and illustrator Jason Chin also addressed the need to spark children’s imagination. “Making and sharing art helps people think freely, imagine possibilities, be comfortable with uncertainty, promote self-reliance, and it helps us empathize with each other,” Chin said. “Attacking artists’ freedom to express their truths, banning Nikki’s or any of our books, restricts everyone else’s opportunity to see different perspectives. This amounts to an attack on our collective imagination.”

“Here’s what gives me hope: all of you,” Chin said to the audience. “We’ve got great kids and heroic educators helping them grow up to be curious, creative and open to possibilities.”

On the second day, author Lisa Yee spoke about her parents, who immigrated to the U.S. from China. “Every night, no matter how tired she was, my mother read to me,” Yee said. She spoke about how writing saved her life, that her peak writing hours are between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m., and about the important role of libraries. “The library is more than a place — it’s a living monument,” she said.

Illustrator Loren Long described the twists and turns of developing an idea, the long creative process, and finally seeing a picture book completed. He spoke about being colorblind as an artist: “This is not a disability — it’s an obstacle.”

His book The Yellow Bus explores the passage of time, service to others and what that means. “I want to thank all of you teachers and librarians. You have a life of service and purpose, you put other people ahead of yourselves, and you embody the spirit of the Yellow Bus,” he said.

Numerous breakout sessions gave attendees a deeper look at literacy, book selection, diversity and intersectionality, immersion, craft, resources, and how to host an author. Fifth grade teacher Mr. Stanner from Cram Elementary had his students present their school projects about Chin’s books with Jason Chin.

“To see the diversity, like Native and African American authors speaking about their experiences — it’s very inspiring. I just want to go back and work harder for the kiddos,” said a librarian from Ontario School District. “It inspires me to research more diverse books.”

“Coming to this festival opens your world to the behind-the-scenes process — the roots of putting books in the hands of the next generation,” said Audrey Ortiz, an elementary school librarian specialist from Fontana Unified School District.

After the two days, attendees were given Redlands oranges.

“It was mind-blowing, fulfilling, exciting. My heart is full,” said Pamela Martinez, youth services senior librarian at A.K. Smiley Public Library.

Next year, the following authors are set to speak: Vanessa Brantley-Newton, Stephen Briseño, JaNay Brown-Wood, Kate Messner, Rex Ogle and more.

Follow the festival’s website for updates: www.redlands.edu/charlottehuckfestival