Camarillo, Calif., April 3, 2012 – CSU Channel Islands (CI) invites children and their families to the 7th Annual Children's Reading Celebration and the 35th Annual Young Authors' Fair on Saturday, April 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the John Spoor Broome Library on the CI campus.

The free annual event brings together a celebrated children’s author with Ventura County children and their families for story circles, hands-on workshops, crafts, book sales and other fun activities that celebrate reading and writing. The program is sponsored by CI’s Broome Library, English Program and Mortar Board in conjunction with the Ventura County Reading Association (VCRA), the Target Foundation, and the Ventura County Office of Education.

Lee Wardlaw, award-winning author of more than two-dozen books for young readers, including “Dinosaur Pizza,” “101 Ways to Bug Your Parents,” and “101 Ways to Bug Your Teacher,” will be this year’s featured author. Wardlaw, a writer, teacher and poet, lives in Santa Barbara with her family and three adopted former shelter cats who helped inspire her latest award-winning book, “Won Ton: A Cat Tale Told in Haiku.” Children will have the opportunity to meet the author, hear her read from her new book, and receive a free autographed copy, while supplies last.  This gift is funded by an early childhood literacy grant from the Target Foundation.

The event will also feature the work of more than 1,000 aspiring authors and illustrators from Ventura County’s K-12 schools.  Teachers from schools throughout Ventura County have been invited to enter books written and illustrated by their students to be displayed and read at the fair.

“This event is one not to miss,” said Charice Guerra, VCRA President. "The Ventura County Reading Association has been showcasing student writing across the county for 35 years at the Young Author's Fair.  Our partnership with CI has created a synergy and this year's event promises to be the best yet.  Families are encouraged to share in celebrating their child.”

There also will be a variety of hands-on activities and crafts, as well as giveaways, book sales and free refreshments.  Students in the CI English Program and Mortar Board will be reading aloud to children as part of their service learning commitment. 

The event is free and open to the public.  Free parking will be available on campus in specific lots.  Once on campus, follow the directional signs to the designated parking lot.  All children must be accompanied by an adult.

To learn more and RSVP to the Celebration, visit http://www.library.csuci.edu/about/news/crc.htm or contact Elnora Tayag, Outreach Librarian, at 805-437-3140 or elnora.tayag@csuci.edu.

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About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands
(CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research. CI has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all backgrounds from the region and beyond. Connect with and learn more by visiting CI's Social Media.

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