Symposium spotlights children's literature

Since its inception at the IRA World Congress in Jamaica, the Children's Literature Symposium has become a popular fixture. This year's event, cochaired by Bernice Cullinan and Elizabeth Poe, focused on the rich history and recent developments relating to Hungarian children's literature.

Presentations and papers by noted Hungarian authors Pal Bekes and Bela Rigo covered the written word, and illustrator Krisztina Renyi described the work of many noted Hungarian illustrators. Andrea Cheng, an American writer with Hungarian roots, many of whose books deal with themes relating to Hungary, gave an entertaining and personal look at how she develops her books.

Finally, Ruth Biro and Judith Lechner listed and discussed a variety of children's books from or about Hungary. Symposium attendees left with a greater understanding of and appreciation for Hungarian children's literature.