
This weekend, Jan. 17-19, the One Book Two Book festival celebrates children’s literature in downtown Iowa City, a UNESCO City of Literature. The festival is taking place at the Sheraton Hotel, the Englert Theatre, the Iowa City Public Library, and other participating locations around the city. The festival not only is hosting famous authors and illustrators such as the #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator of various books, Loren Long, but it is also encouraging writing and creativity by honoring two students from each grade, first-eighth, for their work. They will each be given the chance to present their work on stage at the Englert Theatre Sunday afternoon. During the Saturday book fair, children will be given the opportunity to get autographs from student authors and meet published authors. The festival will support imagination by bringing story book characters such as Clifford and Curious George to life at Book Character Meet and Greets throughout the day. Other activities include a skit with the Iowa Children’s Museum, readings with authors such as Laura Purdie Salas, Sarah Aronson, Brian Farrey, and Katherine House, and a Comic gallery just to name a few.