Bethany Barton

Today is a good day! Today I got to join the non-profit @accessbooksca at an underfunded elementary school in Los Angeles, to help bring new books to their classrooms and to lead literacy-themed workshops with their students. I discussed my passion to create books that ask kids to face their fears (bees, spiders, math, etc.) using facts, critical thinking, empathy and humor. Cuz really, couldn’t America (& humanity) use a lot more of that? Then the kids illustrated mini-stories about their own fears— which we put googly-eyes all over. Everything is less scary with googly eyes. These kids were bright, creative, engaged, curious and hilarious. They are the best of us. The future looks bright, y’all. It was awesome, and @irishlatina came and took photos, so I could focus all my attention on the kids (thank you, Becks!) @losangelestimes offered amazing support to Access Books as well, and @univision even filmed us. (I don’t have live TV, but if you do, let me know if you spot us in action!) I am so thankful.

I did an author event today for a whole bunch of super awesome kids! And I didn’t really take any photos at it! Whoops? I always struggle with bringing my phone out in front of students & young readers. So many screens are already wrestling for their attention spans, I worry that seeing one in MY hands reinforces the yucky narrative that “being attached to your phone = being a grown up.” I want them to see BOOKS in my hands. I want them to know that I’m 1000% more excited to see their faces, share my stories, and be present in the moment with them, then I am about my phone. But then I end up not documenting the awesomeness (and you guys have less exciting photos to look at!) Soooo... here’s a bunch of photos from when the kids weren’t around...? Ha! Sorry. But trust me, it was awesome.

GET EXCITED! Next Tuesday I’ll be partnering with @accessbooksca to bring a night of reading, writing and creating to the kiddos of West Adams Elementary! To celebrate Access Books bringing 300 (!!) libraries to underfunded schools, we’re bringing brand new books and authors right into their classrooms! I’m bringing both my toilet paper gun and an unreasonable amount of googly-eyes to get creative with. I can’t wait! Hooray for literacy! 📚💕

Our favorite little besties both living in the moment and savoring it (with hugs!) (and @wrdsmth!) 📸: @marcwfellner

I’m at Booth #711 at LA Times Festival of Books! Leo is hiding under the table with snacks and books! Come visit! #LATFOB @pagesabookstore @penguinkids