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OREM — Nancy Peterson, a professor of children's literature, had a simple idea with grand implications. She wanted to help parents, teachers and librarians capture and understand the love of reading so that that love could be passed onto children.
“In 1998, I was invited by UVSC (now Utah Valley University) to represent the education department in giving input for the start-up of a conference on children's literature,” she recalled. The conference, then known as UVSC Forum on Children and Literature, was successful, reaching mainly teachers and aspiring authors. But Peterson felt that something was missing.
“We realized that we were not reaching the people who were potentially the most passionate about good ways to find and utilize children's literature,” she said. Supported by Briant Farnsworth, dean of the School of Education, the conference committee decided to create “something unique for teachers, parents and librarians.”
“We decided to offer the public an opportunity to celebrate the books, the authors, the teachers and the parents who are passionate about the love of reading,” Peterson said.
The For the Love of Reading Conference, sponsored by Utah Valley University’s Forum on Engaged Reading, will be held Feb. 17-18 at the Zermatt Resort in Midway, Utah.
Times: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Zermatt Resort, Midway UT
Cost: Participants can register for various packages that are priced from $25-$149 [CLICK HERE for details]
Registration:CLICK HERE to register online, or call (801) 863-8012.
In winter, under a blanket of snow, Zermatt is a picturesque wonderland, even magical, as Peterson described. With crackling fires, steaming mugs of hot chocolate and warm, comfortable chairs, there are few places better suited for book lovers to gather and be inspired.
Tina McCulloch, a teacher who attended the conference last year, said, “It was such a rewarding personal and professional experience. I walked away from the conference rejuvenated and have used several of the suggested techniques in my classroom all year.”
The second annual conference offers parents, grandparents, teachers, librarians and book lovers a chance to meet children’s book authors, talk with literacy experts, discover the best books and collect ideas for inspiring a love of reading in children.
This year, some of the top names in children’s literacy will present.
Stacey Bess — An inspirational educator and author of the memoir "Nobody Don't Love Nobody," adapted for the Hallmark Hall of Fame film "Beyond the Blackboard."
Donalyn Miller — A Texas sixth-grade teacher and author of "The Book Whisperer: Awakening the Inner Reader in Every Child" and The Book Whisperer blog.
Yuyi Morales — Winner of the Pura Belpre Medal for Illustration, involved with some of the most celebrated examples of Latino children's literature.
Steven L. Layne — Children's literature professor at Judson University in Illinois, a respected literacy consultant, motivational speaker and author of 21 books, including the teen thriller "This Side of Paradise."
Parent day
Saturday, Feb. 18, is dedicated to helping parents and grandparents discover the best ways to inspire a love of reading in children.
“Parents, regardless of their experience with reading as a child, can be the biggest influence in helping their own children love reading. If a child can learn to love reading, he is set up for a lifetime of success,” said conference committee member and UVU professor Douglas C. Gardner.
He added, “We hope this special day gives parents the encouragement, excitement and tools they need to take the time to read with their children.”
Early bird registration (by Jan. 23) for the parent day is priced at $25 to attend the break-out sessions or $50 to attend the keynote speaker, break-out sessions and lunch.
Break-out presenters will include KSL’s Brooke Walker, Anne Holman and Margaret Brennan Neville of The King’s English Bookshop, Susie Boyce — mom, writer, former teacher and librarian — and myself. I am honored and very excited to offer my ideas on how to make a home a reading haven.
For more information and to register, visit the UVU Engaged Reading website.
For a chance to win free attendance to the conference or free books, complete the Utah Reading Survey also found at UVU Engaged Reading (link above).
Book calendar
- UVU For the Love of Reading Conference: Feb. 17-18, Zermatt Resort, Midway, Utah. For parents, grandparents, teachers, librairian and book lovers. Special parent day on Feb. 18. For more information and to register, visit the conference website.
- Provo City Library: Family Literacy Symposium, Jan. 14. For details and for more events, visit the library's website.
- The King's English Bookshop: Hosting several author and book events. Visit the shop's website for all the details.
- Pinon Market and Cafe: 2095 E. 1300 South, Salt Lake City, will host a reading with author Scott Carrier, "Prisoner of Zion," Jan. 12, 7:30 p.m.
- Davis County Library Central Branch: 155 N. Wasatch Drive, Layton, will host a winter book sale, Jan.14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Payments of cash or check only. (801-547-0729)
- Utah arts and museums: Poetry Out Loud, a national poetry recitation contest for high school students. Teachers must register their school with Jean Tokuda Irwin at jirwin@utah.gov or 801-533-5760.
- Ken Sander's Rare Books: 268 S. 200 East, Salt Lake City, will host a winter white sale with discounts up to 75 percent off. Sale runs until Jan. 14.
Teri Harman writes and reads from home amid the chaos of three young children. Her bi-weekly column, Book Matters, appears on ksl.com and in the Deseret News. For more book fun, visit book- matters.com.
