Join Us Saturday May 10th 2025 for our First Beverly Cleary Literary Festival

This year, for the first time ever, Beverly Cleary Days is proud to present our first hands on Literary Festival for aspiring (or published) adult writers and illustrators, teachers and librarians, as well as creative parents wanting to explore how children's books are written and illustrated and maybe even make their own. Featuring presentations and hands on activities with fun prompts, worksheets, and more by FOUR  distinguished and award-winning authors and illustrators.

​Register for all the events for only $53 here, or here! for individual $25 events. Most Play in the Park Events are Free!

Grab Your Best-Value All-Day Saturday Literary Festival Pass here for only $76
& get first dibs on your favorite seat!

The Beverly Cleary  Literary Festival is deeply discounted but all funds raised (beyond costs) will be used for Yamhill, Oregon children's literacy programming and the Yamhill community in general!

Your 10AM-3:15PM All Day Pass includes an invitation to fun and learning with all four workshops, first dibs on seats starting at 10AM, all free Play in the Park activities (of course) and our gratitude!

​You never know. This event might just change your life in the best most empowering way!

Click Here to Purchase today while still available!

Sign Up for Fab Friday First Pages Blast Off with a "Cream Tea," of Gourmet Treats & Dr. Mira Here!

Fabulous Friday First Pages with Tea or Coffee and Gourmet Treats!
Dr. Mira Reisberg''s many nicknames include: the Picture Book Whisperer,  the KidLit Whisperer, Coach Mira, KidlIt Guru, the Wordsmithing Wizard, and the KidLit Fairy Godmother among others. 

Mira’s own books have sold over 600,000 copies, while her talented, hardworking students have sold millions of copies of their own books and won just about every kidlit award! ​

Bring (or learn to write) your stories' first pages. Amp up the drama, emotion or humor while eating gourmet desserts and delightful savory treats sipping tea or coffee and receiving receiving helpful feedback.  

Only $25 including EVERYTHING. Bring an existing manuscript or learn to write one on the spot. While the materials are kid-friendly, this event is for adults only! After you register, please email your first page in standard 12pt font, double spaced to [email protected] and put "First Pages with Mira" in the subject line. This will insure a first come sign up and accommodate as many as possible. Limited number of participants, so register soon. Only $25.00! Friday, May 9th 4-5:30pm

​Purchase Vicki's Individual Workshop all about Beverly and Writing Nonfiction here! Only $25!

Vicki is delighted to share about her writing journey and teach children the fundamentals of writing exciting  non fiction.

Vicki Conrad spends her days teaching children to read and evenings writing stories she hopes will inspire young readers. Growing up, she was always found with a book in her hand, and she has stayed that way ever since. Her first book, Just Like Beverly was released from Sasquatch Books in 2019. It received a starred Kirkus review and was a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection, as well as one of NPR’s Best Books of 2019. Her next nonfiction picture book, A Voice for the Everglades, is a science biography about Marjory Stoneman Douglas saving the Florida Everglades. Her latest biography is near and dear to her heart. Introducing Sandwina: The Strongest Woman in the World released December, 2024. It is the incredible true story of the Victorian era circus star, Katie Brumbach, otherwise known as Sandwina. Vicki is a curious seeker of knowledge and lover of history. She has called Seattle her home for many years. ​Find Vicki here: https://www.vickiconrad.com/  Register for Vicki's Event Here! Saturday May 10th 10AM!

Purchase Mira's Individual Workshop here!

Using magic worksheets, prompts, and loving kindness, students in this workshop will learn how to write their own picture books and amaze themselves with what they are able to do. 

Dr. Mira Reisberg, Director of the Children’s Book Academy (CBA), speaker, educator and wild creative has had fun teaching nearly every aspect of writing and illustrating children’s books. Her former hard-working students have published well-over 2,000 books and won nearly every major North American award. With a Ph.D. in Education and Cultural Studies focused on children’s literature, Mira has taught university courses in art, cultural studies, and kidlit. She has published 8 children's books including: Baby Rattlesnake, Uncle Nacho's Hat, Where Fireflies Dance, Leaving for America, Elinda Who Danced in the Sky, Just Like Home, Just Like Me and Honoring Our Ancestors, winning awards and accolades for some of them. Originally from Australia, Mira lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and hyperactive cat. Nicknames bestowed on her by students include The Picture Book Whisperer, The KidLit Midwife, and Miracle Mira. Find out more here: https://childrensbookacademy.com/ or www.mirareisberg.com
Register here! ​Saturday May 10th 11:15AM.

Attend Ana's Individual Workshop for FREE in the Park

Being near Ana means being surrounded by  whimsy, wonder and beauty. Come join this workshop for kids and adults and learn to draw animals (including guinea pigs) using shapes and other inspiring objects (like potatoes) that Ana will bring.

Author-illustrator Ana Velez grew up in Quito helping her abuela with craft projects as soon as she could use scissors and a paint brush. Ana earned a Bachelor in Fine Arts in Louisiana and was a graphic designer  for a few years before moving to Portland, Oregon. Here, a temporary teaching position turned into a new career and passion. She completed a Masters in Teaching Special Education and has been learning from young neuro-divergent children ever since.

In her classroom, Ana liked picture books as much as the kids.  Now she loves creating them. Ana's debut picture book THE THREE LITTLE GUINEA PIGS AND THE ANDEAN FOX with Page Street Publishing was released in August 2024. When she's not at the beck-and-call of her felines, Ana is paddle-boarding down the river with her husband in search of a water-picnic spot. Find Ana here: http://www.analikes.art/about.html.
​ Ana will have FREE art activities in the park Saturday May 10th from 12:20-2:00.
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Join Tracy's Art Workshop 

Are you an artist who wants to up their drawing skills. Come learn to draw fun Beverly Cleary animals and characters using shapes and more with Beverly Cleary illustrator Tracy Dockray.

Author/illustrator Tracy Dockray has illustrated 30 books, including four she authored, and has been deeply involved in literacy programs, working with Learning Leaders and Literacy Inc. to support underserved communities. She is honored to have illustrated Beverly Cleary’s Ramona and The Mouse and the Motorcycle series. Her Lost and Found Pony won a Moonbeam Award, and Bright Dreams was recognized as an Outstanding Science Trade Book. Select Books written and illustrated – Grimms Grimmest • My Bunny Diary • The Lost and Found Pony • The Scare In My Hairs, The Brilliant Inventions of Nikola Tesla • Illustrated - The Fix-It Friends Series by Nicole C. Kear• Ramona Series by Beverly Cleary • The Mouse and the Motorcycle Series by Beverly Cleary • Henry Huggins Series by Beverly Cleary • And six other books by Beverly Cleary Izzy and Oscar by Alison Estes • Sweet Baby Feet by Margaret O’Hair • Jammy Dance by Rebecca Janni • The Bare-footed, Bad-Tempered Baby Brigade by Deborah Diesen and more... Click here to find out more about Tracy. Register here for Town Hall Tracy ​Saturday May 10th 1:15.

Register for the 2025 Beverly Cleary Literary Festival Here
& See Our Sweet Merch