Free Kids’ Fest Events at Upcoming Lit Fest

— from Jule Treneer for Orcas Island Lit Fest —

The Orcas Island Lit Fest (OILF), an annual celebration of literature and community in an inspiringly beautiful place, is continuing its commitment to children and families by offering its second annual Kids’ Fest. The 2019 OILF Kids’ Fest will feature the following artists and activities:

Singer-songwriter Laura Veirs is the author of the award-winning picture book Libba: The Magnificent Musical Life of Elizabeth Cotten, which tells the story of one of the most celebrated American folk musicians of all time. Cotten, a self-taught guitarist who wrote the folk classic “Freight Train,” grew up poor and black in the Jim Crow South. She spent many years in obscurity before gaining recognition late in adulthood.

Children’s author Lois Brandt will read from her book, Maddi’s Fridge, winner of the 2015 International Literacy Association Primary Fiction Award, a 2014 Top Mighty Girl Book for Younger Readers, and an Anti-Defamation League Book of the Month.

Laura Veirs and Lois Brandt will appear 10:30 a.m.–noon on Saturday, April 6, at the Orcas Island Public Library.

Kirsten “Kiwi” Smith, a featured artist at this year’s Lit Fest, will appear in conversation with her writing partner, Kurt Lustgarten, in a special presentation for our public middle and high school students on Friday, April 5. Smith co-wrote the hit films Legally Blonde, 10 Things I Hate About You, Ella Enchanted, and The Ugly Truth, and she is currently writing Legally Blonde 3. She is also the author of two YA novels, The Geography of Girlhood and Trinkets, now a Netflix series; and she co-wrote the graphic novel Misfit City with Lustgarten.

The Orcas Island Lit Fest will also feature an open mic for kids and teens during the Lit Walk on Friday, April 5, 5–6 p.m. at Emmanuel Parish Hall. Kids of all ages can read an original poem, an essay or an excerpt from their own fiction or nonfiction work. Readings should take no longer than 3 minutes and must be appropriate for all ages. To reserve a spot at the open mic, please send your proposed reading and contact details to info@oilf.org by Monday, March 25.

All OILF Kids’ Fest activities are free to the public, but we highly recommend reserving a ticket in advance at oilf.org.

This program is made possible, in part, by support of the Washington State Arts Commission and the San Juan County Lodging Tax Facilities Grant Program, with special thanks to the Orcas Island Public Library.