Take a Summer Cruise with Popular Authors!

Teachers, authors, and others interested in writing for young people, illustration, using literature in the classroom, and children's book publishing are invited to join best-selling authors Bruce Coville and Paula Danziger; winner of the 1997 Caldecott Medal, David Wisniewski; illustrator Katherine Coville; children's marketing consultant Susan Salzman Raab; and author and tour coordinator Joni Gray on a week-long summer cruise/conference.

The cruise on Commodore's ship the Enchanted Isle leaves from New Orleans on July 10 and returns July 17. Ports of call are Playa del Carmen and Cozumel in Mexico, the Cayman Islands and Montego Bay, Jamaica. The cruise will include workshops and seminars as well as social time to get to know the speakers in a casual environment.

Coordinated by Joni Gray, a teacher, children's author, and reviewer for the Syracuse Post Standard, "Creative Conferences to Go" is a series of cruise-conferences that bring authors, teachers, and their families together to celebrate the value of reading. Previous conferences hosted by Gray have sailed to Bermuda and through the British Isles. "This is a unique opportunity to get to know famous authors and illustrators and to network with others in the field who share your interests," explains Gray.

Bruce Coville's books for children and young adults include, Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher; Aliens Ate My Homework; Bruce Coville's Book of Ghosts, and picture books that introduce Shakespeare to young children. His wife, Katherine Coville, is the illustrator for many of his books. Mr. Coville's most recent book is Armageddon Summer, co-authored with Jane Yolen.

Paula Danziger has been a best-selling children's author since her first book, The Cat Ate My Gymsuit was published more than 20 years ago. Her popular books include, Everyone Else's Parents Said Yes, The Divorce Express, and Amber Brown is Not a Crayon. Her most recent books are Amber Brown is Feeling Blue and P.S. Longer Letter Later (co-authored with Ann M. Martin).

David Wisniewski won the 1997 Caldecott Medal for Golem and is known for his unique style of cut-paper art based on shadow puppetry. He and his wife Donna Wisniewski co-wrote Worlds of Shadow to help teachers do shadow puppetry in the classroom. David Wisniewski's most recent book is The Secret Knowledge of Grown-ups.

Susan Salzman Raab is co-owner of Raab Associates, an agency specializing in children's book marketing. She is the author of An Author's Guide to Children's Book Promotion and the marketing advisor for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.

According to Gray, response to the cruises has been very positive. "We're getting repeat bookings and news is spreading among authors and participants."

Prices for the cruise begin at $698, airfare and port charge not included. For more information and bookings, contact Dave Snyder at Cruises Inc., 800-457-0685. All prices quoted are subject to availability. College course credit is also available by arrangement.

Article by Gary Hopkins
Education World® Editor-in-Chief
Copyright © 1998 Education World