‘Max and Ruby’ creator to headline UVa-Wise childhood education conference April 19

Author and illustrator Rosemary Wells will speak at the 16th annual Early Childhood Education Conference at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise on Saturday, April 19. The conference will also feature musician Darrell House and workshops geared toward pre-K through third-grade educators.
Registration for the conference will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the Fred B. Greear Gymnasium.

Wells, creator of the animated Nick Jr. television show “Max and Ruby,” will speak at 9:15 a.m. in the gym and be available for a book signing following her presentation. She will only sign books purchased at the conference.

Wells attended Boston Museum School and began her career in children’s books working as a designer at Macmillan in New York. She published her first book, an illustrated edition of Gilbert and Sulllivan’s “I Have a Song to Sing-O,” with Macmillan.

Her career spans more than 30 years and 140 books. Wells has won numerous awards for her characters such as Max and Ruby, Noisy Nora and Yoko. She also has given Mother Goose new life in two definitive editions published by Candlewick.

House, this year’s keynote musician, will perform at 10:30 a.m. in the gym. His CDs will be available for purchase.

Based in Florida, House has performed at more than 40 schools as well as numerous libraries, book fairs, literary conferences and reading festivals nationwide. His stories, poems and music are original creations. He is the author of two picture books, “Miller the Green Caterpillar” and “Look for the King of Fish.” House’s albums include “Underneath the Cushions on the Couch” and “Makes Me Feel Like Singing.”

Vendors, displays, a silent auction and lunch will be in the gymnasium. Following the meal, workshops will take place in Darden and Zehmer halls.

The event is sponsored by the Student Virginia Education Association, UVa-Wise and the Center for Teaching Excellence. View the schedule here.

For more information, contact Sandi Richardson at 276-328-0187 or scr5e@uvawise.edu, or Linda Davidson at 276-328-0184 or ldb7q@uvawise.edu.

Posted March 25, 2008