The Michigan Daily - michigandaily 1

"The Pout-Pout Fish" was on The
New York Times bestseller list for
children's picture books. Though
she is not an illustrator herself, she
professes a deep regardfor the work
illustrators do.
"I have been so fortunate in
the books that I have written to be
paired with illustrators who bring
the story to life, and I have admira-
tion and profound respect for that
process," she said. "With picture
books, it is what makes the books
come alive; the text is important,
but the illustrations bring italive."
Though the theme is centered on
illustration, Agnew made sure to
book a well-rounded programso the
fest can appeal to a diverse group of
attendees. Other events include a
graphic novel panel, which includes
"Speedbump" creator Dave Coverly
and a book cover redesign contest
for Michigan high school students
to be hosted by Raschka.
"This year we chose 'Paddle to
the Sea,' which is a Michigan classic
that won a Caldecott," Agnew said.

state, and they will be hanging at
the library next week, and we will
announce the winners next Friday."
Every year the feat also hosts a
Detroit panel, which is often the
most popular event of the day. This
year the panel is entitled "The Art
of the Comeback" and will feature
essayists who contributed to the
book "Detroit Resurgent," which
discusses the revitalization of the
city.
What makes the Kerrytown
BookFest unique in a city teem-
ing with literary opportunity is its
independence from the University
- a testament to Ann Arbor itself.
Though professors often participate
on panels, the event draws its power
from the local literary community
at large,uniting readers and writers,
booksellers and bookbuyers. Agnew
would love to see more cohesive stu-
dent involvement, though she rec-
ognizes the unfortunate timing of
the event in students' fall schedule.
"It's getting more and more
(support from the Ann Arbor com-

have sponsors. Our board is allvol-
unteers and they are so hardwork-
ing," Agnew said.
Both Agnew and Diesen high-
light the thriving Michigan literary
community, a segment of the popu-
lation they believe is often over-
looked, since the Great Lakes State
is better known for exporting cars
than stories. While Agnewhpg
the BookFest continues to attract
nationally known speakers, she
also places high value on featuring
locally based authors and artists,
Diesen also leverages her success
to feature other Michigan authors
on her website.
Despite the broad spectrum of
literary areas that the BookFest
emphasizes, Diesen believes it still
retains itseclectic charm, creating a
welcoming atmosphere for all.
"The Kerrytown BookFest is
unique in its energy. It's hard to
describe, but it's so welcoming
and convivial. Just a celebration of
books and authors, but also read-
ing and readers and of book lovers
of all azes

NICHOLAS WILLIAMS/Daily
Robin Agnew is the owner of Aunt Agatha's Mystery Bookstore and president of the Kerrytown BookFest.
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