Ferris also demonstrated a crafty way to make a duck, inspired by a character in another of Vande Velde’s books. Vande Velde, who took part in CRP’s previous two Book Fests, shared her writing strategies with Ferris in a 20-minute video that will be shown the rest of this school week to Canandaigua Elementary School students. Squirrels are “so obviously smart, and curious and persistent, and they clearly see the world as revolving around them,” said Vande Velde when asked about Twitch's behavior. Recently, Ferris sat with Vande Velde to hear her read from one of her many books, 'Squirrel in the Museum.' The main character is Twitch, a squirrel who tags along on a school field trip with amusing and chaotic results.

“It is a unique opportunity to visit with authors and illustrators, to learn how some books were made, to meet other book lovers, and to do some pretty incredible crafts,” Vande Velde said. Vivian Vande Velde, one of 12 children’s book authors and illustrators who are participating, agrees. The energy contained within coupled with the innocent joy of imaginative play are engaging and satisfying.“The Book Fest is a wonderful way for children ages 3 to 8 years and their families to meet local authors, hear them read from their books, and be creative through craft projects based on the authors' books,” said Mary Ferris, Wood Library’s children’s librarian and president of the Community Reading Partnership, the organization sponsoring the Book Fest with FLCC. “The snappy text uses natural, unforced rhymes and repetition to great effect. that will strike a chord with nature lovers and young children settling down to sleep.” - School Library Journal on The Feathered Crown “Unadorned, gracefully rhyming text is partnered with delicate watercolor illustrations, resulting in a gentle perspective. “Hayles's evocative, airy imagery gives wing to her rhyming verse.” - Publishers Weekly on The Feathered Crown “Hayles's sympathetic characters and detailed account is complemented by historical documents and photos throughout.” - Publishers Weekly “A quiet, sober story of a genuine heroine who survives a devastating disease with grace.” - Kirkus “A moving and well-wrought story.” - School Library Journal

Marsha hayles