We're posting a post on posters! Win a free poster!

You're probably aware that the theme of this year's Florida Antiquarian Book Fair is Modern Literature: The truth and beauty of fiction. This, of course, refers to anything in fiction published in the 20th or 21st centuries.

It's our way of highlight one part of the vast book fair, one that offers books of many different sorts from the very rare to ordinary reading copies, antique maps, vintage prints and photographs, antique autographs by famous people on significant documents, and so much more.

Last year we highlighted children's literature with the phrase Pages of Wonder, and we had a poster of a youngster in awe of the wondrous things bursting forth from his head, presumably upon reading pages of the book that seems to be precariously balanced on his noggin. (An aside: Few fair goers realized that the young lad who was the model for that poster was the son of the Florida Antiquarian Book Fair's manager, Sarah Smith.)

Next year's theme is Written Relics: Treasured Tomes from Papyrus to Paperbacks. We'll have more about that theme later but you get the idea. We're looking for something to focus on and talk about each year. That's why we have the themes.

But back to the main topic of this blog post. This year's theme also has a poster connected with it, and you see it above. We think it captures not only the spirit of the theme but also our tropical setting. We'll have copies of this poster available for sale for collectors (and you can even send us an email and reserve your copy if you want to do so) but we wanted to alert you to a little promotion we're doing related to this poster over on Facebook. There's a chance for you to win a free poster. Be one of the first ten readers to share this post on Facebook or elsewhere, and send us an email to claim your prize. The first ten emails received will be the winners. Send your entry to floridabookfair2@gmail.com

Jeff identified with the boy in Rawlings' story

Jeff Klinkenberg, who writes about Florida culture for the Tampa Bay Times, took time out to talk about his favorite "grown up" children's book, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings' The Yearling.

Peter and Jeanne created a book for their children

Poet Peter Meinke shared some of the books he enjoyed as a child and, as a special treat, reads from The Legend of Larry the Lizard, a book he wrote and his wife, Jeanne, illustrated for their children. Join us at the Florida Antiquarian Book Fair as we celebrate Children's Literature: Pages of Wonder.

Treasures We're Bringing: First Caldecott winner

 From Books Tell You Why, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina:
 Here's a remarkable book that fits the Children's Literature: Pages of Wonder theme of the Book Fair. It's the first edition of the first winner of the Caldecott Medal in 1938.

Fish, Helen Dean [; Dorothy P. Lathrop] - Animals Of The Bible; USD 490
Frederick A. Stokes Company, 1937; 1st Edition, 1st Printing. A charming First Edition in Nearly Fine condition in the scarce, chipped dust-jacket with few tears and tape repair to the backside of the jacket. Second state with "Lathrop" correctly spelled on the of spine of book and dust-jacket with $2.00 publication price present, illustrated end-papers with prancing dear in front and back.  Helen Fish wrote the introduction and selected passages from the King James version of the Bible which accompany the beautiful drawings of Dorothy Pulis Lathrop. Winner of the first Caldecott Medal for best illustrated children's book in 1938. An important book in children's picture book history.

 TREASURES WE'RE BRINGING: This is a series that reveals some of the special books dealers will be bringing to the Florida Antiquarian Book Fair. Watch for more coming soon.

Stand-Up Librarian Meredith Myers touts Book Fair

We're delighted that Stand-Up Libriarian Meredith Myers will be working to help draw attention to the Florida Antiquarian Book Fair this year.

Meredith, who holds a masters degree in library science, performs stand-up comedy at libraries and book events across the country. In connection with the Book Fair, Meredith will make appearances around the Tampa Bay area to highlight this year's theme, Children's Literature: Pages of Wonder.

In this video, Meredith introduces herself, gives a brief tour of her studio, and reveals her favorite childhood book. Meredith has been performing stand-up comedy for a dozen years, ever since she checked out a library book (of course) on comedy.

Meredith designs and constructs her own literary-themed costumes and accessories. During a visit to the Book Fair three years ago, fairgoers expressed interest in her book-themed purse and she sold it on the spot. That led to her development of a literary fashion business. You can find out more about Meredith at StandUpLibrarian.com and StandUpLibrarianDesigns.com

Feel free to share this video and others we'll be posting here soon. We want everyone to know about the Florida Antiquarian Book Fair and our celebration of children's literature this year.

Pass this on to someone who will appreciate it

The Florida Antiquarian Book Fair theme for 2014 is Children's Literature: Page of Wonder. We're featuring a series of quotations from children's books and from writers about children's books. We hope you enjoy them. Please feel free to share them with people you think will appreciate them.

He identified with the hero in Pioneer Sodbuster

Theme of the Florida Antiquarian Book Fair this year is Children's Literature: Pages of Wonder. In this video, Bob Devin Jones, artistic director of The Studio@620, discusses his favorite childhood books, Islands of the Dolphin and Pioneer Sodbuster, and why he enjoyed them. What's your favorite childhood book? Leave your comments below.

A lifetime of reading began with books on sports

Theme of this year's Florida Antiquarian Book Fair is Children's Literature: Pages of Wonder. In this video, Steve Bolter of Sleuth Books in Palm Coast, Florida, shares his childhood books. Steve will exhibit at the Florida Antiquarian Book Fair in March. What's your favorite childhood book and why?

Childhood books led to career as a writer

Theme of this year's Florida Antiquarian Book Fair is Children's Literature: Pages of Wonder. What's your favorite childhood book?