Over the weekend, Mankato, Minnesota took a step back in time to celebrate the Deep Valley Homecoming. This annual celebration honors author Maud Hart Lovelace and her Betsy-Tacy books. Book lovers from across the country descended on our sleepy little city to go on guided tours of the Betsy-Tacy houses and horse-drawn trolley rides. There was also a book festival, Victorian tea party, and even a murder-mystery dinner.
Well, they had me at book festival. But there was only one small problem—I’ve never read the Betsy-Tacy books. In fact, I first heard about this series a few months ago. I found out pretty quickly I was missing out, because fans consider Betsy and Tacy part of their childhoods, just like Laura Ingalls and Ramona Quimby.
Stepping into the book festival, I saw many treasured children’s books from Minnesota authors—including Capstone books. Capstone’s Mari Bolte participated in the publisher’s panel. She talked about what it was like working for a children’s book publisher and described some of her favorite Capstone books over the years. Mari also manned Capstone’s booth at the festival. She showed children of all ages some of the amazing books coming out this season.
One of my favorites is Capstone’s Wearable Books series. That’s right, I said wearable books! Readers can pose with long beards, zombie teeth, or superhero masks right inside the books. I couldn’t help but try a few on myself.
You can join in the fun too. We’re giving away a Wearable Book to the first three people to leave a comment below. Tell us what your favorite children’s book is for your chance to win Book-O-Hats, Book-O-Masks, or Book-O-Teeth.
-Michelle Hasselius, Associate Editor
These are SO cute! I love Tucker's picture! I love your picture too Michelle!
Posted by: Michelle | June 30, 2015 at 10:12 AM
I'd love to have one of those books for my daughter! She'd absolutely love it, and she loves to read books!!!
Posted by: Alicia Frarck | June 30, 2015 at 09:44 AM
What a great idea to get kids interested in reading at an early age! I would totally get these books for my friends little guy!
Posted by: wendy | June 30, 2015 at 09:39 AM
My favorite children's book is Amelia B
Posted by: Amanda Aguilar | June 30, 2015 at 09:08 AM