HELLO KENTUCKY!

I speak at LOTS of conferences and love the opportunity to connect with other book-lovin' folks like myself all over the world. This time I visited a state I've never been to: KENTUCKY! I had a great time!

Once in a while I have the great honor of meeting some incredibly talented and entirely gracious people. Although we've crossed paths before, I had the absolute pleasure to speak late into the night on all manner of topic with author Jack Gantos. We swapped tales of the publishing industry, writing and the road like 2 grizzled sailors comparing scars and tattoos.

You MUST check out this man's books. His talent is only exceeded by his kindness.

THANK YOU, JAZAMS OF PRINCETON, NJ!

I spent a lovely day signing, chatting and laughing with authors Tiffany Strelitz Haber and Ame Dyckman at Jazams!

THANKS FOR ALL THE INCREDIBLE ARTWORK AND LETTERS!

I LOVE getting letters and artwork from my readers! Here are just a few recent ones.

This photo was sent to me after I visited this young artist's school. How lovely!

FINAL SCREEN FREE TOUR STOP: PHILADELPHIA, PA!

Hmmm. Wasn't I just in Philly a few weeks ago? At this point, I'm not entirely sure!

On the final stop on the Screen Free Tour, I visited several wonderful schools and had a FANTASTIC time spreading the word of UNPLUGGING!

Now it's time for me to hop a train and head back home, but more specifically, jammies and bed.

Au Revoir, gang!

SCREEN FREE TOUR STOP: WASHINGTON, DC!

On a rainy morning the Book Street Boys amble to the venerable DC bookstore Politics & Prose, their final stop together on the now legendary Screen Free Tour.

This photo reminds me of 4 other guys, but I can't think of who they are. Any ideas?

Of course there were stacks of books to sign!

How many kids can fit in a bookstore?

They were all more than happy to take on the UNPLUGGED challenge!

We had a great time. Hope the kids did, too!

But soon it was time for us to go our separate ways.

Auf Wiedersehen, boys!

HEAR MY INTERVIEW ON NPR'S HERE & NOW!

NPR invited me to speak about SCREEN FREE WEEK on their show HERE & NOW with host Robin Young, as well as guest Susan Linn, director of the Campaign for a Screen Free Childhood!

Give it a listen.

And let me know what you think.

SCREEN FREE TOUR STOP: AMHERST, MA!

How cool is this?

Me and my "Screen Free Brethren" Bob Staake, Chris Raschka and Tad Hills, also known as The Book Street Boys (the world's oldest kid lit boy band) were interviewed by picture book genius, graphic novelist extraordinaire and part-time game host Jarrett Krosoczka at the Eric Carle Museum!

For the enlightenment and entertainment of the audience, we were put through our artistic paces on stage.

Doug made an appearance, too!

Did you actually think I would have a post without food?

After a day of drawing, signing and speaking, we feasted on all manner of BBQ at Bub's.