Third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students at Bacon District Elementary School, along with fourth- and fifth-graders from Phenix Elementary School, had the experience of a lifetime. Students met renowned authors and illustrators at the Virginia Children’s Book Festival at Longwood University on Oct. 13.

The festival lasted for three days, bringing authors and illustrators from around the world who fostered the enjoyment of reading by sharing their experiences during exciting programs for the youth of Virginia. The event was free for all in attendance.

Students were able to see Marc Brown, author of the Arthur series. Nika Daniel, a fifth-grader from Bacon District Elementary, was chosen to help him during his presentation. Other presenters whose programs students enjoyed included illustrator John Rocco, credited with covers for Percy Jackson and the Olympians series; Timothy Basil Ering, author and illustrator of The Neck Out Adventure; and Matt de la Peña, author of the new children’s book Last Stop on Market Street. After lunch, students were taken on campus tours led by the Longwood Ambassadors, a group of Longwood students.