BookFest comes to Malaspina May 31

Aliens are about to invade the central Island area. They will pop out of the world created by Canadian children’s author Arthur Slade at this year’s BookFest, May 31 at Malaspina University-College in Nanaimo.

Arthur Slade will not only explore the story printed in his FBI approved novel Invasion of the IQ Snatchers (FBI stands for Fun Book Institute). He’ll explore exactly what is so fabulous and interesting about his Villainology villains. Why was the Wicked Witch of the West green? What was Attila the Hun’s favorite hat style?

Arthur is also the author of Dust, a national bestseller and the winner of the 2001 Governor General’s Award for children’s fiction, the Mr. Christie’s Book Award and the Saskatchewan Book Award. His other books include Monsterology, the Canadian Chills series and Northern Frights series. Come find out why you should check your Nanaimo bars carefully before eating them.

Arthur is just one of the authors, illustrators and storytellers that will present at this year’s festival, now in its 22nd year. If villains and aliens aren’t your reading taste, there are sessions for kids as young as five and as old as 14. Visiting authors include Melanie Watts, creator of Chester and a neurotic scaredy squirrel; Andrea Spalding storyteller and fantasy writer; Adrienne Mason an explorer of magic and marine animals, robots and reptiles; Linda Bailey creator of the goofy dog Stanley; Sarah Ellis who will lead you to her imagination mall; Simon Rose a writer of other universes at the back of the bedroom door; and illustrators Bill Slavin and Wallace Edwards who will share their creative drawings.

Noon hour entertainment will feature Brenda Baker, a Canadian songwriter and performer as well as an author. For five years she hosted Prairie Berry Pie, which aired on Global TV. Her energetic and humorous songs will have kids moving in their seats. There will be something for everyone including face painting, bubble blowing and autograph sessions with authors.

Don’t miss a fun-filled day for only $10 per child; maximum $25 per family. Visit any Vancouver Regional Library branch, Malaspina Bookstore (Nanaimo) or www.bookfest.ca for registration forms and further information.