The Mom Person spent the weekend at the Texas Book Festival in our lovely state capital, Austin. I did not get to go because she did not think that dogs would be allowed. But it turned out that there were quite a few dogs there with their people! Phooey! Maybe I’ll get to go next year.
There were lots of people there to meet and greet all the authors and buy their books. The Mom Person saw lots and lots of bags full of books, so I imagine that all those authors are very happy about their weekend in Austin. There were a lot of authors there and the Mom Person had a hard time deciding who she wanted to see and what books she wanted to buy.
This was the Saturday schedule for book signings. Some of the authors read their books before signing and some of them didn’t. The Mom Person said it was kind of confusing and a little crazy with everyone buying books and getting in line and trying to figure out where to be when. But everyone was very polite and nice and friendly. Even the authors!
The stars of the show seemed to be Mr Jon Scieszka and Mr Mac Barnett. And their book Battle Bunny. They did several talks and seemed to be everywhere. And they packed the tent to over flowing. And the book tent even ran out of Battle Bunny!
But the Mom Person managed to get me a copy! And she got it signed. They thought I must be a very smart Library Dog.
Battle Bunny is by Jon Scieszka and Mac Barnett. Pictures are by Matthew Myers.
It was published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers in 2013.
According to the back of the book it is suitable for ages 5 – 87.
I would imagine that you have probably heard all about this book. It has been in the news a lot. I think because it is a very unique book. And the uniqueness has nothing to do with the story itself. It’s all about the BOOK itself. It presents itself as a kind of Little Golden Book called Birthday Bunny that was given to a young lad named Alex on his birthday. But Alex decided to turn it into a more exciting book. So he crossed out a lot of stuff and drew stuff in with pencil and now it is Battle Bunny instead of Birthday Bunny. And when Birthday Bunny encounters his friends in the forest in the original version, Battle Bunny sees them as enemies and whomps on them and explodes things in his quest to put his “evil plan” into action. Alex must eventually come in and save the day.
This is a really funny, crazy book! You must get your hands on it!
This crazy team of Scieszka and Barnett not only talked about their crazy book, but they also presented the master list for the Texas Bluebonnet Award books. This is a program developed through the Texas Library Association to encourage reading in young people. The master list of 20 books is presented every year at the Texas Book Festival. Then if students read, or are read to, 5 books from the list they have the opportunity to vote for their favorite book in January. The book that receives the most votes wins the Award. You can find out more about the Bluebonnet Award HERE.
And here are the Dynamic Bunny Duo presenting the list –
Are they crazy or what?!
Well, if those pictures don’t convince you — here’s a little taste of Battle Bunny —
I wish y’all a happy, crazy week! And Happy Birthday or whatever!
Rhythm
Reading With Rhythm 
Oh my goodness that rabbit outfit!!! What a fun sounding book. I’m going to go and cross out some of mine and put battles in lol 😉
I think that when kids see this it will spark a lot of rewriting!! Imaginations will go wild!!
Rhythm, it sounds like your mom had way to much fun. Yay, Mom-person. She must have loved meeting Jon Scieszka. At least you got to read the book — not so sure you liked the bunny ears though.
Yes she did! and without me! Next year though — I did get a couple of good books with my name in them. That’s pretty cool. It’s kind of like T-shirts that I see on kids that say ” My parents went to Hawaii and all I got was this T-shirt”.
That looks like a fun festival! You should definitely tag along next time, R. You could drag Mom to the front of the line.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
Yes, that’s a good thought Cupcake! And probably get a front row seat for the sit down stuff! Next year —–
From my extensive studies, I believe these types of story are known as “post-modern picture books”…I think they should just be called “clever”.
Clever works for me. Clever it is!
Love you in your devil costume! You need to sneak into the car for these trips!
Thanks! Yes, I need to learn more stealth.
Mr. Barnett and Mr. Scieszka make a GREAT team! I like the video! Off to the library! 😀
Wish I could have been there to meet them. If you have not read Battle Bunny, you must! I think it’s one you will find very interesting!
Thanks for the in depth coverage. Do you chase bunnies?
I have never chased a bunny. It seems to be a fruitless pursuit to me. I do enjoy studying them though. I find them to be fascinating creatures.
What a stellar line-up of authors!
Yes, it certainly was!
Rhythm–thank you for all of your support of my blog. Seeing your “likes” or reading your comments feels like a good friend has stopped by to visit. We are kindred spirits, I know!
I think you may be right Ms Abby! You seem to have the heart of a dog. Truly.
😉
It’s a new book to me! Thanks for sharing:)