I’m sweaty, sunburned, bone-tired and broke, but, I’m deliriously happy. I was able to meet the writer of one of my favorite read-aloud books. I am now the proud owner of a signed copy (To The Loopy Librarian) of Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner. If you’re unfamiliar, Skippyjon Jones is a Siamese Cat that thinks he is a Chihuahua. He’s hyper and imaginative and loads of fun. I also met Libba Bray who is the author of several amazing young adult books. Her latest is Beauty Queens which is about a group of teenage pageant contestants who become stranded on a deserted island. I’m told by a fan that the author is particularly “snarky” in this book, a word which according to urban dictionary.com means “A witty mannerism, personality, or behavior that is a combination of sarcasm and cynicism.” What a great word! You can bet that I’ll be whipping that one out again. Finally, we met up with Tony DiTerlizzi and his wife (both of whom I’d had the privilege of seeing when I worked at the West Palm Beach Public Library). He’s promoting his new book The Search for Wondla, and my son bought that one to have signed. Daniel was a Spiderwick Chronicles fan back in late elementary school, so he was excited about this new creation by DiTerlizzi. Jealous are you? Fear not. The Decatur Book Festival hosts amazing authors every year on Labor Day weekend. So start saving up now. The festival is free, but you will want to buy lots of fantastic books. While you’re there, I highly recommend lunch at the Raging Burrito. Skippyjon Jones would love it there. Ole! By the way, a big kudos to my husband who stood patiently in long lines in the hot sun to help us get our books signed and didn’t fuss when I bought a few more books and went “slightly” over budget.