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Children's Book Festival: Saturday, April 13th from 10am-4pm
(free to the public)

a night with the artists: Saturday, April 13th at 6:00-9pm
(fundraiser dinner, by reservation only)

Save the date for our Fundraiser event to support the Meridian Children's Book Festival presented by the Meridian Library District! 

A Night with the Artists, presented by the Optimist Club of Meridian, is a unique and intimate opportunity for guests to share a meal with some of the nation’s most renowned children's book illustrators, including Matthew Cordell, Molly Idle, Angela Dominguez, Chad Otis, and Leslie Patricelli. This fundraiser event supports the Meridian Library District’s Children’s Book Festival—an exciting, free public event taking place on the same day from 10 am to 4 pm. This festival is designed to connect children and their families with fellow readers while providing opportunities to meet their favorite authors and illustrators, ultimately building a lifelong love of reading.

All gifts surpassing the festival's expenses will allow the Foundation to fund new children’s books for the Meridian Library District. Your generosity not only sustains the event but also plays a vital role in enhancing our library resources, benefiting the entire community.

There is no age restriction for this event, however, seats are limited and reservations are required for every guest.

What are we raising funds for?

Literacy

A children's book festival is an event that focuses on promoting literature and a love for reading among children. These festivals typically bring together authors, illustrators, publishers, educators, and young readers in a fun and interactive environment. The goal is to create a space where children can explore the world of books, discover new stories, and engage with the creators behind their favorite works.

When you attend our Night with the Artists you are supporting the Meridian Children's Book Festival, and helping us fund new children's books for the Meridian Library District.

Meridian Children's Book Festival

Join the Meridian Library District for a FREE event for the whole family! The Meridian Children's Book Festival is Saturday, April 13th from 10am-4pm at the Galaxy Event Center in Meridian, Idaho.
Visit mld.org/childrens-book-festival for more details!

Artists

Meet the Children's Book Illustrators

Matthew Cordell

Matthew Cordell is the Caldecott Medal-winning author and illustrator of Wolf and the Snow, Evergreen,  Cornbread and Poppy, Wish, Bear Island, and Hello Neighbor: The Kind and Caring World of Mister Rogers.

He is also the illustrator of highly- acclaimed children’s books such as  Every Dog in the Neighborhood (by Philip C. Stead)Philip C. Stead), Bob, Not Bob! (by Audrey Vernick and Liz Garton Scanlon), and Leeva at Last (by Sara Pennypacker). His books have been best-of-the-year selections by The New York Times, The Boston Globe, NPR, and Amazon.com, and have been translated into many languages.

Angela Dominguez

Angela Dominguez is the author and illustrator of several books for children and a two-time Pura Belpré Illustration Honoree. Her debut middle grade novel, Stella Díaz Has Something to Say, was a New York Public Library and
a Chicago Public Library pick for Best Books for Kids, Sid Fleischman Award winner, Global Read Aloud selection, and an ALA Notable. She recently illustrated the New York Times bestseller Just Help! How to Build a Better World written by Sonia Sotomayor. As a child, she loved reading
books and making a mess creating pictures. She’s delighted to still be doing both.


Molly Idle

Molly Idle is the author and illustrator of the Caldecott Honor-winning picture book Flora and the Flamingo and all of the books featuring Flora and her feathered friends. She is also the creator of the Tea Rex series, the mermaid tales, Pearl and Coral, and Witch Hazel. Most recently she co-illustrated Julie Fogliano’s I Don’t Care, with her fellow Caldecott Honoree and best friend Juana Martinez-Neal.

Chad Otis

Chad is the author and illustrator of four children’s books; including THE BRIGHT SIDE (Rocky Pond Books, 2023), which has received several starred reviews, and was chosen for the 2023 National Book Festival of the Library of Congress.

He is also the author and illustrator of A LITTLE FERRY TALE (Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books 2022), which is an Amazon Editors Pick and Barnes & Noble Bestseller. Chad
lives on the edge of the Rocky Mountains in Idaho.

Leslie Patricelli

Leslie Patricelli is the writer and illustrator of many bestselling books for babies, elementary school children, and tweens. Her books include the internationally recognized titles "Potty" and "Toot!". She is also the writer and illustrator of the much-loved "Rizzlerunk Club Series", including "Best Buds Under Frogs" and "The Big Bad Lies". Her picture books include the Boston Horn Honor book, "Higher! Higher!", "Faster! Faster!", "Bigger! Bigger!", "Be Quiet, Mike!" and "The Patterson Puppies" series. She illustrated the acclaimed Mini Myth series, as well.

A Night With the Artists

Preview our in-person event

Date: Saturday, April 13th  from 6 - 9pm 
  
 6-7pm Happy Hour: check-in, drinks, silent auction, & more
7pm: buffet dinner service begins
7:30-8:30pm: entertainment & more with featured illustrators
8:45pm: silent auction & raffles close

Location:  Galaxy Events Center, Auroras Room
1385 S Blue Marlin Lane, Meridian 83642

RESERVE  YOUR SEAT*:
VIP Artist Tables: Reserve a seat with your favorite Children's Book Illustrator
General Reservation Tickets: reserved seating at a general table
*There are no age restrictions for this event, however, seats are limited and every guest is required to have a reserved seat.

What's included with your reservation?
- Catered Dinner & Dessert
- Unlimited Soda
- Exclusive "A Night with the Artists" Art Kit
- Art Presentations & Tutorials led by nationally renowned children's book authors/illutrators

What's NOT included with your reservation?
- Mobile Bar will be available for additional purchase (for 21+ with I.D. only)

Sponsors

Thank you to our incredible sponsors for making this event possible!

Menu

The tastiest part of our event!

 Buffet Dinner: Grilled Tri-Tip with Horseradish & Steak Sauce, Grilled Caprese Chicken with Balsamic Glaze, Roasted Potatoes, Wild Rice Pilaf, Seasonal Vegetables, Mixed Green Salad, Dinner Rolls
Deluxe Dessert Buffet: Chocolate Torte Bites, Cheesecake Bites, Fruit Tarts, Chocolate Dipped Strawberries, Mousse Tartlets, Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Brownies

Silent Auction

Thank you to the following businesses who provided items for our auction!

Boise Art Glass, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Idaho Botanical Gardens, Boise Hawks, Chick-Fil-A Village Meridian, Idaho History Museum, Zoo Boise, Bluebird Express Carwash, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science & Industry), Grant's Neighborhood Grill, and more!

Are you interested in sponsoring this event? Please contact foundation@mld.org for information on sponsorship opportunities!


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