FESTIVAL DAY 2025
2025 was the 2nd year of our festival and we made some changes based on what we learned from our inaugural event. We needed a larger space and more parking, so we moved to North Kitsap High School and it was the right decision. We were able to set-up tents, to create a quiet room for Story Time, and to invite more nonprofits and community members to participate.
As you will see from the photos below, it was a fabulous day.
2025 Authors and Illustrators: Front Row: Lynn Brunelle, J Anderson Coats, Suzanne Selfors, Liz Wong, Maya Prasad, Joy McCullough, Toni Yuly, Jing Jing Tsong, Jennifer K Mann, Kristin Varner, Ashley Erdely, Karen Cushman. Second Row: Michelle Jing Chan, Rosanne Parry, Sonja Thomas, Jenna Lee-Yun, Audrey Barbakoff, Curtis Manley, Asia Citro, Heidi Lang, Karen DeWitz, Fiona Cohen. Third Row: Rachel Michelle Wilson, Aron Nels Steinke, Nikki McClure, Jessixa Bagley, Aaron Bagley, Ben Clanton, Dan Gemeinhart, Ben Guterson. Not Pictured: Dana Simpson, Laurie Ann Thompson, Piper CJ and Brandon Hoang.
Volunteers Bob and Ben greeted families.
Volunteers Mel, Kyle and Debbie Jo were on duty all day.
Students from Vinland Elementary drew their favorite book covers, to help decorate the festival.
North Kitsap's Marching Band entertained families and led the authors in the first Parade of Authors.
Kennasyn (Miss West Sound Teen) and Emalee (Miss West Sound) volunteered as our face painters and had a line all day!
Kids collected stamps on their passports - a great way to meet all the authors.
Families could buy Spanish books for Kitsap Immigration Assistance Center.
Happy kiddos.
Librarian George Shannon read stories and provided a quiet place for families.
Kitsap Regional Library had plenty of supplies so kids could make bookmarks.
Newbery Medal Winner and Honor Winner, Karen Cushman, made a rare appearance!
WA Center for the Book helped kids make a Zine - which they published!
Penguin Random House Rep, Amy and Librarian, Mark, volunteered.
Aaron Bagley competed in DRAW WARS.
Author Jing Jing Tsong shared her heritage.
And that's what it's all about!