Spokane, Washington   April 15-23, 2005
	Verla Kay Verla Kay lives with her husband in a little farming town of 830 people on the eastern side of the state of Washington, just two miles from Idaho. She started writing for publication in 1989. She credits taking the Institute of Children's Literature's "Writing for Children" correspondence course and joining SCBWI for her writing success. Verla is the Regional Advisor for the Inland Empire SCBWI Region of East Washington/North Idaho.   Kay writes historical picture books in a special kind of poetry she calls "cryptic rhyme." She has sold a total of ten picture books, two of which are still "in the works." Of her six books that are still in print:   "Gold Fever" was named a Best Book of the Year by Bank Street College of Education in New York.   "Iron Horses" was named a Society of School Librarians' International Honor Book, and both "Iron Horses" and "Tattered Sails" are on the Children's Book Council's Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People list.   "Tattered Sails" was also picked as a "Children's Best Book of the Year" by Child Magazine. Kirkus Reviews said of it, "A magical combination of poetry, history, and art."   "Covered Wagons Bumpy Trails," was named to the 2001 Missouri Reading Circle for the Primary Grades (1-4), and was nominated for the Children's Choice Award in Nevada for 2002.   "Homespun Sarah" got a starred review in the School Library Journal, and along with "Orphan Train," "Gold Fever," "Iron Horses," and "Covered Wagons Bumpy Trails," was recommended for grades K-3 in School Library Journal's April 2004 Curriculum Supplement, which also included an author study of Verla Kay, and recommendations of ways to use her books in the classroom.   Kay's website (www.verlakay.com), which she designed and maintains herself, was named one of the 101 Best Websites for Writers in 2000 and again in 2005 by Writer's Digest. It is filled with information and ways to connect with writers and illustrators of children's literature.     Salman Rushdie  |  Rita Dove  |  David Sedaris  |  Bob Edwards  |  Robert Bly Workshops  |  Tickets  |  Schedule  |  Panels  |  Keynotes  |  Children's Events  |  Authors  |  Sponsors  |  Back to Main