A JOYcabulary Visit to the Hudson Children’s Book Festival

There are some places where words don’t just live on pages… they breathe, spark, and connect people. That’s exactly what I experienced at the Hudson Children’s Book Festival this past weekend. 

Established in 2009 in the historic city of Hudson, the festival’s mission is simple and powerful: nurture a love of reading by connecting children with incredible authors and illustrators. And after attending for the first time, I can confidently say, this is now a JOYcabulary must. The energy? Electric.

Families, educators, and authors filled the space, all united by one thing: a deep love for read-alouds and the magic of story. Children proudly held their bright green tickets, each one a chance to receive a free, signed book. The small moments felt unforgettable, books held tightly, signatures watched with care, and wide eyes paired with even wider smiles. I didn’t bring my own kids this time (a decision I won’t make again!), but I’m already planning for next year.

Six Author Moments That Made an Impact

Let me take you through six meaningful author connections where I had the chance to meet, talk with, and honestly… just enjoy being around. 

Roni Schotter: Where Words Are Felt and Shared

I was immediately drawn to Roni’s booth, spotlighting The Boy Who Loved Words, a Parent’s Choice Gold Award winner about a boy who treasures and shares words. Within minutes of talking, it was clear: she lives and breathes what JOYcabulary stands for. Words aren’t just taught…they’re felt, shared, and loved. Her latest titles like Bibi Steps Out! (a beautiful look at shyness and growth) and Dragon Dreams (a celebration of imagination) reminded me how vocabulary and emotional development go hand in hand.

Megan Litwin: When Stories Create Real Connection

Wow this moment was special. Megan, a former second-grade teacher just like Linda and I, instantly connected with our JOYcabulary approach. When I showed her our lesson for Grateful Gratitude, she became emotional, seeing her work brought to life in classrooms was deeply meaningful. 

We hugged, took photos, and shared a moment that perfectly captured why this work matters: helping children find comfort, connection, and joy in stories. Gather, Grateful is already JOYcabulary lesson-ready, and after talking with her, I’m even more excited to bring in Twinkle, Twinkle Winter Night and Dirt and Bugsy. Her books just have that warmth and heart that kids and teachers need. 

Beth Ferry: A Full-Circle Vocabulary Moment

Okay, I have to be honest… I was still a little starstruck from talking to Megan, and then I realized Beth Ferry was right next to her!!! Beth had a line so while I was waiting, I ended up chatting with a grandmother and her two granddaughters and naturally, I found myself “selling” Growing Home to them (because it’s THAT good). Linda had so much fun creating a full Word JOY lesson for grades 3 to 5 on the entire novel, so it was such a warm, full circle moment getting to share that right there at the festival. I didn’t get as much time with Beth as I wanted, but I did learn she loves alliteration as much as we do so clearly we’re aligned. She talked about her latest book, and of course I had to grab The Peddler of Puddles. I already know it’s going straight into a spring lesson. Linda and I wish we could just sit with her by the beach, talking about words, stories, and all the playful language we all love. Between Growing Home and The Wombats Go Wild for Words (both JOYcabulary lesson ready!) and The Peddler of Puddles (coming soon), her books just fit so naturally into what we do, rich vocabulary, playful language, and stories kids truly connect with.

Ralph Masiello: Making Creativity Accessible

I actually met Ralph before at a NYSRA conference, so when I saw him again at the festival I definitely went over a little too excited. And yes… I also managed to accidentally blur him out in portrait mode when we took a photo! Ralph is just one of those people you can’t help but love being around. His energy is contagious, he’s a natural speaker, and you can tell he genuinely loves what he does. He was also incredibly kind and even donated one of his books to me, which felt like a powerful reminder that this work really matters. Ralph has such a gift for making drawing feel accessible for kids. In Bone Island Blossoms: A Coloring Book of the Florida Keys, Ralph Masiello’s Robot Drawing Book, and The Flag We Love (especially meaningful with the 250 year celebration), he turns drawing into something students can actually do step by step. If you’ve ever heard a student say, “I can’t draw,” his books are the perfect invitation to try.

Deborah Freedman: When Words and Images Work Together

I was first pulled in by the stunning illustrations at Deborah’s booth, everything was just beautiful, but I stayed for the story behind them. What really stood out was Is Was, especially its message about how the world is always changing. Then I realized she is both the author and illustrator, which made it even more powerful to see how seamlessly her words and images work together. With Mother’s Day coming up, I asked about Flowers for Mama (and yes… the kittens on the cover definitely got me). She shared that her grandson actually contributed illustrations to parts of the book, which made me love it even more! I had to bring it home. That blend of family, creativity, and storytelling felt so authentic and personal. Her work is such a reminder that when words and images come together, they can deepen understanding in a way that really sticks.

Robin Newman: Ending the Day with Joyful Storytelling

Robin was the perfect final stop. Her energy was contagious and such a joyful way to end the day. She had kids and adults pulled right into the story like we were all part of it, and you could feel how much she loves what she does. I picked up Who’s Writing This Story?! and I’m obsessed. It’s a playful twist on The Three Little Pigs that naturally teaches story elements in a way kids actually love—exactly the kind of JOYcabulary text that makes learning stick. I also loved hearing about Trial and Error (I believe she was a lawyer before becoming an author). You can totally see that mix of structure and creativity in her storytelling. And of course, she casually mentioned heading to Paris for a workshop. What a dream, can I come too? 

More Than a Festival—A Feeling

I ended the day with a stop at Farmer’s and Sons, reflecting on everything I had just experienced.

This festival isn’t just about books—it’s about connection. It’s about children seeing themselves as readers. It’s about authors seeing the impact of their words. It’s about educators being reminded why we do this work.

At JOYcabulary, we believe vocabulary grows through meaningful moments—and this day was full of them.

Want to bring this same joy into your classroom?

If you’re looking to bring that same joy into your classroom, we’ve got you covered. Free, ready-to-use read-aloud lessons here at www.JOYcabulary.com

Connect with us: @JOYcabulary.