A JOYcabulary visit to the Hudson Children’s Book Festival turned into more than just a day surrounded by books—it became a powerful reminder of why words matter. From meaningful conversations with beloved authors like Roni Schotter, Megan Litwin, Beth Ferry, Ralph Masiello, Deborah Freedman, and Robin Newman, to witnessing the joy of children connecting with stories, this experience highlighted the true impact of vocabulary-rich read-alouds. The festival wasn’t just an event—it was a celebration of literacy, connection, and the magic that happens when children fall in love with words.