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National Children's Literature Conference July 26 at Simmons College

BOSTON (July 18, 2007) — In an age when savvy children's books are more likely than ever to appear on adults' reading lists, one of the nation's premiere children's literature conferences will bring nationally recognized children's literature authors and illustrators to Simmons College in Boston, July 26-29, to discuss children's books as works of art.

This year's conference, titled "Food, Glorious Food!" will focus on the role of food as metaphor in children's literature. Among those attending the conference is national best-seller Sy Montgomery, author of "The Good Good Pig," who writes both adult and children's books. Other writers include Natalie Babbitt, author of "Tuck Everlasting"; Jack Gantos, author of the Rotten Ralph and the Joey Pigza books; and MacArthur Fellow David Macaulay, author of "The Way Things Work." Veteran illustrator Jerry Pinkney, who has created art for more than 75 books, including "John Henry," "The Ugly Duckling," and the "Patchwork Quilt," also will speak.

The biannual conference is hosted by the Center for the Study of Children's Literature at Simmons College, home of the nation's first Master of Arts in Children's Literature program. Organizers say the conference is a rare forum for national children's book collaborators, including authors, illustrators, book designers, and publishers, to gather and share ideas.

The event will take place in the Main College Building at Simmons College, 300 The Fenway in Boston.

Enrollment is limited, but open to the public. The cost is $575 for non-credit or 20 professional development points for participants. For more information contact Susan Bloom, Simmons professor emerita and director of the Institute, at susan.bloom@simmons.edu.

In addition to offering a master of arts in children's literature, the Center offers a master of fine arts in writing for children.

Simmons College is a nationally recognized private university in Boston. It includes an undergraduate college for women and graduate programs for women and men in social work, health studies, library and information science, management, and liberal arts.