Back in Time

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.

Mari speaking on the festival's panel for Minnesota publishers

Spotlight on Mari!

Mari rocking the Capstone booth

Mari: a senior editor with many hats

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.

Michelle the Magnificent!

What? Do I have something on my face?

Time for Tucker to visit the groomer...

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