Book Bonanza brings together top authors

WASILLA -- The fourth annual Book Bonanza is set to kick off Oct. 6 at the Cottonwood Creek Mall.

The event brings together the top publishers, illustrators and authors from around Alaska.

Several Valley authors, including Audrey O. Leighton, Anne Nolting, Ann Dixon and Sally Pollen, will be at the Book Bonanza.

Also appearing are Chad Carpenter of "Tundra" fame,Millie Spezialy, Elise Patkotak, June Robinett, Elverda Lincoln, Larry Kaniut, Douglas DeVries, Sara Peterson, Pam Flowers, Glen Guy, Joan Jackson, and Mary Lee Hayes.

The authors have wide-ranging backgrounds, ranging from poetry to children's books to cartoons.

A wide collection of books will be available for purchase at the Book Bonanza, and the opportunity to meet with the leading authors and publishers in Alaska is a must for all people wanting to get into writing.

On the center stage during the event will be the Alaska Theater for the Youth, Dusty Sourdough, awards presentations and possibly Tundra cartoonist Chad Carpenter.

As part of the Book Bonanza, there is a poetry contest and comic strip contest.

The poetry contest is open to all ages, and will be judged on creativity, imagination and impact, as they work with the theme "Fooling with Words."

The comic strip contest is for children ages 18 and younger.

One- to three-panel strips, designed around the same theme as the poetry contest, should be drawn, with a maximum size of 14 inches by 8 1-2 inches.

On the back of all entries, the name, address and phone number should appear, as well as the school, teacher and grade level for students.

Send all entries, by Sept. 23, to the Book Bonanza, 567 Westcove Dr., Wasilla, AK, 99654.

Winners will be announced Oct. 6 at the Book Bonanza.