Key West's 16th Annual Literary Seminar will explore children's literature

KEY WEST, Florida (CNN) -- Judy Blume, "Babar the Elephant" author and illustrator Laurent de Brunhoff, and two-time Newberry Award-winner E.L. Konigsburg are among the authors and illustrators slated to attend Key West's 16th Annual Literary Seminar, which will explore children's literature for four days in January.

"If there was ever a dream team for a children's literature seminar, this is it," said Lynn Kaufelt, the seminar's program chair.

Pulitzer Prize-winner Richard Wilbur, Virginia Hamilton, and "Aliens Ate My Homework" author Bruce Coville are other members of the seminar, one of the most respected literary events in the country.

"I love to draw for children," said de Brunhoff, whose "Babar" series and eight other childrens' books have been printed in 17 languages during the last 50 years. "They are able to enjoy laughter, wonder and tears more freely than adults."

In-depth panel discussions on the seminar's agenda include the effects of fear and fantasy in children's stories, an exploration of what values stories project, and how and why writers write for kids. Authors will read from their works, story-tellers will tell their tales, and writers, illustrators and seminar attendees will gather for lectures and informal discussions.

Babar's de Brunhoff

"Children's literature is the largest-selling segment of the book trade," said seminar president David Ethridge. "Its influence is underrated in molding children's values and their understanding of social issues."

Before the seminar begins, seven high-level writers' workshops are on the agenda, limited to 10 participants each, for professional writers and artists, and those seriously interested in children's literature.

Among the workshop leaders:

• Blume, whose books have sold 65 million copies in 20 languages, leads a workshop on creating memorable characters
• Edgar Allen Poe Award-winner Richard Peck heads a beginners' workshop
• Caldecott Medal-winner Jerry Pinkney supervises a workshop on illustrating children's stories

"Once Upon a Time: Children's Literature in the 20th Century" will be held January 8-11 at the 16th Annual Key West Literary Seminar. Seminar registration is $325; workshops (held January 5-8) are $400; combined registration is $625 with advance purchase; group discounts are available. Contact the Key West Literary Seminar, 419 Petronia St., Key West, FL 33040; 1-888-293-9291; keywest@seacoast.com

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Related sites:

• Florida Keys Travel Guide
• Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators

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