Chilldren's authors set are set for an interactive day at The Lexington Book Festival
{Photo Credit: Antionette Kerr}
It’s that time of year once again. As the weather starts to warm and the anticipation of the upcoming summer begins to build, the much-anticipated annual FREE Lexington Book Festival has arrived! Every year, the community of Lexington comes together to celebrate literature and the way authors and readers alike share a passion for the art of storytelling. Literature has long been something people of all demographics can enjoy. This year, there are a plethora of talented authors in attendance who specialize in writing stories about and for adolescents. In writing children's books, these authors help to shape young minds and spark creativity for the future generations. The Lexington Book Festival will take place on Saturday, March 22, from 10am to 5pm at 202 North Main Street.
Nathan Cardenas early anticipates Saturday’s session with Battle of the Books Author Gita Varadarajan at the Davidson Local welcome party at Bull City Ciderworks.
Originating from the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shannon Hitchcock is a well-renowned author who dives into the children's genre with creativity and a genuine passion for storytelling. Taking inspiration from fairy tales such as “Hansel and Gretel” and “Jack and the Beanstalk,” Hitchcock writes heartfelt stories while exploring candid themes of youth and self-discovery. In 2024, Hitchcock released the children’s book “Dancing in The Storm.” In the book, Hitchcock brings awareness to youths living with chronic illnesses while weaving a poignant narrative of courage and self-acceptance in the face of adversity.
Constance Lombardo, another author in attendance, is an artist and a writer with a sense for creativity and storytelling. Coming from Asheville, Lombardo creates and illustrates many of her own works. With works such as the middle-grade Mr. Puffball trilogy depicting the adventures of ex-stunt cat Mr. Puffball, looking to make a name for himself in Hollywood and the picture book “Everybody Says Meow,” a humorous picture book portraying a group of mischievous animals, Lombardo tells engaging stories and illustrates with a playfulness that culminates in a whimsical and engaging story.
Hailing originally from India, Gita Varadarajan is another talented author that will be at the Lexington Book Festival. Although Varadarajan claims to have never been much of a writer growing up, she has written a wide variety of publications for readers of all ages that aim to celebrate and embrace diversity and differences in identities. With works such as “My Saree,” a sweet story of a girl taking pride in her Indian culture with her saree and “Save Me a Seat,” a story about a newly-immigrated student named Ravi who is looking to fit into his all-American school, Varadarajan is looking to educate and foster a healthier environment for many children through literature and the art of humorous yet profound storytelling.
All of these talented authors will be in attendance at the Lexington Book Festival. From earnest narratives of self discovery to playful illustrated stories about silly cats, the Lexington Book Festival will have works for anyone and everyone. On Saturday, March 22, from 10am to 5pm, bring yourself, a family member, or a friend down to 202 North Main Street to the Lexington Book Festival.
