"Rainbow of Words" fills Book Bonanza

The fifth Book Bonanza is slated for this Saturday, giving families a chance to visit with authors, writers and illustrators from around Alaska.

The Book Bonanza -- which runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Cottonwood Creek Mall Oct. 25, is organized by the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, but books are available for all ages.

At the event, more than 50 Alaska authors will be on hand from a variety of genres, including children's books, environmental books, mystery and fantasy books and even cartoon books.

While the event is a great place to buy a favorite book and have it signed by the author, it is even more important in promoting reading and writing, organizers said.

"We want to encourage people to write and expose families to authors and writing," said Audrey Leighton of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. "I go to schools and talk to students, and they think authors come from some magic place Back East. I say, 'No, I'm your neighbor.' There are a lot of very talented authors and illustrators right here in the Valley."

Some top Valley authors will be at the Book Bonanza, including Anne Nolting and Ann Dixon.

Both authors have new titles they are promoting. Both have received critical acclaim for their books in the past, and their new books are receiving attention as well.

"We have a wide variety of authors, from children's writers to nature writers," Leighton said. "This year we have some new authors coming, too."

While the Book Bonanza brings together top authors, some of the "behind the scenes" people in the publishing world will also be there to talk to those interested in learning more about writing.

In addition to authors and illustrators, there will be publishers and editors at the Book Bonanza.

"I know Alaska Northwest Books is bringing some people for sure," Leighton said. "There's going to be books for sale, but you can also come and learn more about writing and the business of writing."

Throughout the event, door prizes will be given away for stores in the mall.

On the center stage, Anna Noel will be doing storytelling. When she's done, the three mayors will be presenting the awards for the bookmark contest.

The poetry winners will also be awarded on the center stage as well.

Debbie S. Miller, a well-known nature writer from Fairbanks, is scheduled to give a talk, and Scribes Anonymous will perform a skit to wrap up the event.

The theme of the Book Bonanza is "Rainbow of Words." Posters for the event include the winning artwork -- a rainbow trout reading a book about fly fishing. Tobin Sworts a local 7-year-old, won the poster contest earlier this summer.

This is the fifth Book Bonanza organized by the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators in the Valley.

Last year, the event wasn't held due to construction at the mall. Before last year, the event was held annually.