The annual Mississippi Book Festival is back for its fifth year at the Mississippi State Capitol. The state’s largest ‘Literary Lawn Party’ is a nonprofit founded by literacy advocates. It was launched in 2015 at the State Capitol and draws thousands of book lovers to the grounds every year.
This year, the festival will highlight authors like Dav Pilkey, the author of Captian Underpants and the Dog Man Series; sitting U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Ann Patchett, author of seven novels including The Patron Saint of Liars, Taft, The Magician’s Assistant; Returning festival favorites Richard Ford and Jackson native Angie Thomas; as well as a newcomer to the festival, nationally known Joyce Carol Oats.
The festival features 42 panels and over 160 authors throughout the one day event. They also bring in dozens of authors in the Authors Alley, booksellers, non-profit organizations and delicious food vendors to choose from.
Visitors will also get the chance to have their books signed by their favorite author in the Author Signing Tent located on the Capitol lawn.
A kid favorite, Mississippi Public Broadcasting’s Daniel Tiger, will be making his way to the festival this year too! Daniel Tiger will be making the State Capitol his neighborhood for the day. Children can participate in a ‘hunt for him’ in the Capitol Rotunda and all over the grounds as he meets to take photos with fans.
Children will also have the chance to visit the Toot, Teach & Roll bus. This is a unique learning adventure for students of all ages! This mobile unit travels the metro area promoting academic success for children and adults through innovative techniques. Enhanced learning experiences foster creative minds, one doodle at a time, and give participants the opportunity to explore their imagination.
A full guide to the Mississippi Book Festival can be found on the website below:
In addition to the event on Saturday, the festival will also be hosting Justice Sotomayor and Dav Pilkey on Friday for private presentations at Thalia Mara Hall and Galloway Methodist Church for over 6,000 school age children from all over the Central Mississippi area.
Sarah Ulmer
