Fay B. Kaigler Children's Book Festival facts for kids

The Fay B. Kaigler Children's Book Festival is an exciting yearly event that celebrates children's books. It started in 1968 and is supported by The University of Southern Mississippi. This festival brings together authors, illustrators, librarians, and teachers to share their love for children's literature. It's a special place where people can learn about new books and meet the creators behind them.

History of the Festival

How it Started

The idea for the Children's Book Festival came from Dr. Warren Tracy in 1968. He was the head of the Library Science Department at The University of Southern Mississippi. He wanted to create a special event about children’s literature. The university hosted the first conference, which focused on writing, illustrating, and publishing children's books. This was the beginning of the annual festival.

A few years before the festival began, Dr. Lena de Grummond, another professor, started collecting old and new children's books. She wrote to many authors and illustrators to get original drawings and stories for the library. Today, the de Grummond Children's Literature Collection has works from over 1200 authors and illustrators.

Dr. Tracy wanted the festival to show off this amazing collection. The first event in May 1968 announced the opening of the children's literature collection. Librarians, teachers, parents, and others interested in children's books were invited. They enjoyed three days of exhibits, workshops, and talks by publishers and editors.

In 1969, the event became known as the Children's Book Festival. It also started a special tradition: giving out The University of Southern Mississippi Medallion. This award honors people who have made great contributions to children's literature.

The Southern Miss Medallion Award

A group of experts in children's literature chooses the award winner each year. The Medallion is unique because it honors a person's entire body of work, not just one book. Each medallion is different. A silver version is made for the winner and for display in the de Grummond Collection. Bronze versions are also made for people to buy.

The front of the medallion shows a picture of the honoree. The back has an illustration from one of their books. The first award was given to author Lois Lenski at the second festival. Since then, many famous children's authors and illustrators have received this honor.

Festival Directors and Growth (1970s–Present)

From 1977 to 1980, Dr. Onva K. Boshears was the festival director. Dr. Jeannine Laughlin-Porter took over in 1980. That year, Ezra Jack Keats, a famous children's author and illustrator, received the Southern Miss Medallion. Keats became a strong supporter of the festival and the de Grummond Collection.

After Keats passed away, the university received his personal papers, original artwork, and sketches for many of his books. These are now part of the de Grummond Collection. In 1985, the Keats Foundation started a special lecture series in his honor.

Dr. Boshears continued to help with the festival and chaired the Medallion Selection Committee until 1993. He became the festival director again in 1994 and stayed until he retired in 2001. Dr. Rosemary Chance became director in 2002, followed by Dr. Catharine Bomhold in 2004.

In 1998, Miss Fay B. Kaigler, a retired elementary school teacher, created the Kaigler–Lamont Award. This award honors librarians or teachers who have done great work for children. On December 5, 2001, the festival was renamed the Fay B. Kaigler Children's Book Festival to honor Miss Kaigler's generous support.

The University of Southern Mississippi Medallion

The University of Southern Mississippi Medallion, also called the Southern Miss Medallion, is an annual award. It recognizes one person for their "outstanding contributions in the field of children's literature." The award began at the second festival in 1969.

Silver medallions are made for the winner, the university president, the selection committee members, and for display in the de Grummond Children's Literature Collection. Bronze medallions are also made and can be bought during the festival.

Medallion Recipients

This award celebrates a lifetime of achievement. It has been given out many times since 1969.