About the Hudson Childrens’ Book Festival
The Hudson Children’s Book Festival, established in 2009, is held each year in the historic city of Hudson, NY, and strives to create, nurture, and sustain a culture of literacy in partnership with our community and schools. This free, public event fosters a love of reading as families meet and greet world-class creators of books for children of all ages.
Our 15th Annual Hudson Children’s Book Festival set for May 2nd 2026 – 10:00am-3:00pm – at Columbia-Greene Community College!
Look Who’s Attending in 2026!
Go to the Authors and Illustrators page to learn more about them!
Latest from Facebook!
2026 Poster!
Our 2026 poster is now available — click to view/download.
Support the Festival!
You can donate to the festival from our Donate Button! Thank you for your support!
Fun Facts
Did You Know?
The Hudson Children’s Book Festival is one of the biggest book festivals in New York State!
Listen to our Festival Song!
Junior High School music teacher, Marylou Knull and a group of talented Jr/Sr High students wrote the lyrics and music for the official Hudson Children’s Book Festival song, Inside a Book, and recorded it at Henry Hirsch’s Waterfront Recording Studio! Click the link to listen!
“The storyteller in me asks: what if? And when I try to answer that, a story begins.”
“Take a step, breathe in the world, give it out again in story, poem, song, art.”
“And when the storm passes, as it always does, I am the calm, too.”
“As long as we can remember, all those gone before are alive inside us.”
These are the words of Jane Yolen. Some of them come from her keen advice to writers, some of it from her celebrated works, all of it from her generous heart.
The most wonderful thing about being in community with those who care deeply about
the power of the written word is reading what they love and admire and value in one of our most beloved kid lit giants, Jane Yolen.
Here are just some of the loving reflections,
starting with Jane’s equally cherished daughter:
Our mother Jane “had one of the most brilliant creative minds of our time. This year, her
450th book published. She has been awarded 6 honorary doctorates and too many awards to mention here. She has mentored, inspired, and nurtured so many authors and illustrators through her words both on the page and off. But, beyond that, she was our mother and grandmother.”
— Heidi Stemple
“Jane inspired children to imagine, explore, and believe in the magic of stories. Thank you, Jane, for a lifetime of wonder.” — Cricket Media
“Jane was the very best kind of ambassador and gatekeeper - the kind who holds that gate open wide, invites you in, and encourages everybody to work together to make the place smarter, funnier, and more welcoming. What an incredible life.”
— Kate Messner
“She will be remembered for her wit, creativity, and the joy her books brought to so many children and budding readers.” — PJ Library
“I asked Jane if she'd be willing to model for the character of Mrs. Sowerby. I wanted to put Jane in the book, and she was willing to ham it! She really did enjoy modeling for illustrators . . . She helped me fulfill my dream. . . . My dear Jane, I will hold you always in my heart. Rest in peace."
— Ruth Sanderson
“Children’s books, novels, sci-fi—there was barely an award she did not win. What those awards and kudos do not tell you, however, is how kind Jane was to younger writers and illustrators. She mentored generations of aspiring authors. There is nary a writer working today that has not been influenced by her work and her generosity.”
— R. Michelson Galleries
"Her books were woven into the tapestry of my childhood" - Astrid Sheckles
As president of the now named Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association, “Jane was a steady hand on the organization’s helm in some of its most troubled and tempestuous years. She led us with quiet wisdom and good humor. I never heard her raise her voice except in song or laughter. It’s as if a star had vanished from a familiar constellation. She will be more than missed." - Joe Haldeman
We, at The Hudson Children’s Book Festival, adored Jane for the very same reasons everyone did. Thank you for giving us so much, Jane. We’ll keep on with the good work.
And finally, from Heidi:
“We are working on a public memorial to be held later this summer. In lieu of flowers,
donations can be made to:
Jane Yolen & Heidi EY Stemple Scholarship at Boyds Mills
boydsmills.org/jane-yolen-heidi-ey-stemple-scholarship/
SCBWI Jane Yolen Midlist Grant
buy.stripe.com/aFa6oGdhQaMggmF6zNawo0e
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art: www.carlemuseum.org/janeyolen
“Touch magic. Pass it on.” — Jane Yolen ... See MoreSee Less
3 CommentsComment on Facebook
The Museum team had a blast at this year's Hudson Children's Book Festival! We loved visiting with everyone and giving out fun goodies inspired by the ever-popular Curious George 🐵
Thanks so much to everyone who stopped by, and thank you to the folks who made this event possible 📚❤️ ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Photos from Richard Michelson's post ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
Photos from Nancy Castaldo, Author's post ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
On behalf of the board of the HCBF, we want to thank all of our authors and illustrators who participated in the 15th annual event yesterday!
Thank you to ALL of our volunteers who help the day run smoothly!
Thank you to the staff at Columbia-Greene Community College for hosting our event and making the day so incredibly easy for all who attend.
Thank you to all of our community organizations who join us to inform our children and families of the valuable services they provide!
Thank you to our food vendors, This & That Food Truck, Aloha Tacos, & Lemonheads for keeping the bellies full!
Thank you to Pulcher Transportation for providing a ride for anyone who needed one to the festival!
Thank you to ALL of our sponsors who make this day possible! We are forever grateful for the support you provide to bring the love of literacy to the children and families in our community!
#literacy #books #read #hudsonny #reading #authors #kidlit #community ... See MoreSee Less
15 CommentsComment on Facebook
We are so excited to see you tomorrow at the 15th annual Hudson Children's Book Festival! This great event is made possible by our generous sponsors like you. Use the link in our bio to donate to help us continue to promote literacy in our local community!
The Hudson Children’s Book Festival, Inc., established in 2009 in the historic City of Hudson, NY, strives to create, nurture and sustain a culture of literacy in partnership with our community and schools in Hudson and the surrounding areas. The mission is to foster a love of reading by connecting children with world-class authors and illustrators at the annual free festival and special school and community events. Hudson Children’s Book Festival is a 501(c)3 charity. ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
We can't wait to see Alan Katz TOMORROW at the Hudson Children's Book Festival!!! Here are some fun facts about him:
1. I’ve never eaten a pickle or had a cup of tea.
2. I’ve had a ventriloquist dummy named Jerry since I was four. He’s the best!
3. I just might be the biggest New York Mets fan ever.
Chat and learn more about his books at the festival!
#HudsonChildrensBookFestival #HCBF #childrensliteracy #kidlit ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
We can't wait to see Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich at the 2026 Hudson Children's Book Festival! Here are some fun facts about this fantastic author:
1. I love to make toys.
2. I once spent the day on Sesame Street.
3. My hoop earring got stuck to my sleeve when I met First Lady Michelle Obama.
See you on Saturday!
#HudsonChildrensBookFestival #HCBF #childrensliteracy #kidlit ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
We can't wait to see Dan Poblocki on Saturday! Here are some fun facts about this awesome author:
1. I have a phobia of sharks.
2. Growing up, I lived in a haunted house.
See you at the festival!
#HudsonChildrensBookFestival #HCBF #childrensliteracy #kidlit ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook