Toby Bishop had a very busy weekend in Boise at the Children's Literature Festival created and run by the incredible young independent booksellers of Rediscovered Books. They've only been in business for eighteen months, but yesterday Bruce and Laura Delaney saw their roomy, bright bookstore teeming with adults, young adults, and children for hours as they entertained six authors and a fabulous illustrator. A quite astounding young storyteller also made an appearance that left me breathless.

It can be done, evidently! Laura and Bruce are proving it.

From the Idaho Statesman: "Six regional authors and one illustrator will participate in the two-day festival, a joint venture of Rediscovered Bookshop of Boise and the regional arm of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.

While aspiring children's writers and adult literature buffs will get plenty out of the festival, the first-time event is geared toward young readers as well.

Here's a look at Children's Literature Festival events appropriate for all ages, being held Saturday, April 5, at Rediscovered Bookshop, 7079 Overland Road.

EDWARD TULANE VISITS REDISCOVERED

Edward Tulane, the china rabbit from the award-winning "Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane," will make an appearance at 2 p.m.

In Kate DiCamillo's young adult novel, which will be made into a film in 2009, Edward is given to a 10-year-old girl by her grandmother.

After falling overboard from an ocean liner, Edward is caught by a fisherman and learns about love from a succession of owners.

A recorded interview with DiCamillo will be played during Edward's visit.

MASTER STORYTELLER

Ben Kemper, a national champion youth storyteller from Boise, will give a reading at 3:30 p.m.

The teenage Kemper, a Boise High School student, won the "Grand Torchbearer Award" at the 2007 National Youth Storytelling Showcase. He will perform original stories.

AUTHOR EXTRAVAGANZA

All seven of the authors will bring the festival to a close with readings and book signings from 4 to 7 p.m.

Participating in the "Author Extravaganza" will be illustrator Julie Paschkis (Seattle) and authors Kristiana Gregory (Eagle), Gloria Skurzynski (Boise), Judy Cox (Ontario, Ore.), Alma Alexander (Seattle), Toby Bishop (Seattle) and N.D. Wilson (Moscow).

Collectively, the authors have published more than 100 books and won dozens of awards."