Wright State Picture Book Extravaganza to promote good reads

Author and illustrator Kathryn Otoshi will speak at the event on how to implement an anti-bullying campaign in the K–8 classroom using her self-published book, One.

Whether you’re a teacher, parent, artist, author, student or just someone who enjoys looking at picture books, the Fifth Annual Picture Book Extravaganza will have something enjoyable for everyone.

On Saturday, March 9, attendees will have the opportunity to pore over and explore excellence in children’s books with renowned author Kathryn Otoshi.

“This will be a way for educators to find fresh materials to include in their teaching,” said Stephanie Bange, director of the Educational Resource Center. “They can find new voices and new stories to share with their students.”

Starting at 9 a.m. in the Dunbar Library, the Picture Book Extravaganza will kick off with a lecture from Kay Webster, youth services coordinator at Greene County Public Library, who will discuss trends in picture book publications that occurred this past year.

“Webster is an excellent speaker and always offers wonderful insights on the topic,” said Bange. “After this, everyone will get reading!”

Multiple copies of over 180 popular award-winning picture books, all published in 2012, will be available to read, review and enjoy. Grouped in categories such as Beginning Reader, Biography and Social Studies, Fiction for PreSchool-Grade 3 and Fiction for Grades 3 and up, the selected titles will have something to offer for all.

Author and illustrator Kathryn Otoshi will then speak on how to implement an anti-bullying campaign in the K–8 classroom using her self-published book, One.

“Like the Little Engine That Could, One has a big heart and carries a huge anti-bullying message. It is often cited on many booklists and recommended to include in bullying curriculums,” said Bange. “She clearly shows how a bully tends not to bother or pick on a group; rather he/she picks on one person. If bystanders will rally behind the person being bullied, the bully’s tactics become diluted and he/she either stops or moves on.”

The Fifth Annual Picture Book Extravaganza is co-sponsored by the Greene County Public Library, the Paul Laurence Dunbar Library and the Charles & Renate Frydman Educational Resource Center. Throughout the event, the Wright State University Bookstore will be on hand selling books.

The Picture Book Extravaganza takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Paul Laurence Dunbar Library Group Study Room. Registration costs $30 ($15 for Wright State students), which include a continental breakfast. Checks are to be made payable to Wright State University.

“The sheer number of titles of excellence, culled from a starting list of well over 700 picture book titles published last year and assembled together for you to approach as you wish, makes the event pretty darn spectacular,” said Bange.

For more information, contact Stephanie Bange in the Educational Resource Center at (937) 775-2878