October Buckeye Bookmark

The October Buckeye Bookmark Newsletter invites readers to celebrate nearly four decades of stories at the Buckeye Book Fair in Wooster on November 1, featuring highlights like Patrick Ryan’s Buckeye and its moving tale of small-town secrets. Leading up to the Fair, the community will gather on October 30th for Brave and Bold with Shannon Hale, honoring the 2025 Young Authors Excellence Award winners with an evening of storytelling, inspiration, and book signing. Guests can choose from several ticket options, and to make the celebration even more special, fans can collect Buckeye Book Flair, blue sashes and patches, including the inaugural 2025 edition and limited vintage designs, to show off their Book Fair pride.

Exploring Imagination, Curiosity, and Connection: Three Remarkable Children’s Books That Inspire Young Readers

That storytelling magic shines in his latest project, The Mouse Buffet, a deliciously funny Christmas adventure written by Ross Ferreri. In this festive tale, four daring mice sneak out on Christmas Eve in search of a feast, from cookies and tarts to a gingerbread house too good to resist. Tim’s vibrant illustrations capture the sparkle, suspense, and cozy mischief of the season, making the book an instant holiday classic. With the rhythm of a timeless poem and the heart of a bedtime favorite, The Mouse Buffet celebrates friendship, teamwork, and a quick wit while wrapping it all up in Tim Bowers’s signature warmth and humor.

Inside the World of The Therans: Secrets Beneath Scars by Brec

Brec’s storytelling is bold, immersive, and emotionally charged. She crafts characters who bleed, love, and fight with authenticity. Her debut novel has already earned praise from bestselling authors and critics alike:

“Brec has outdone herself! The tension buildup was masterful.” — Jonas Saul, author of the Sarah Roberts Series

“You can practically hear Stephen King’s pen scratching… Brec excels at keeping readers on edge.” — Teen Magazine

“Callie’s grit and growth are exceptionally well depicted.” — Readers’ Favorite

2025 Author + Illustrator Presentations

Celebrate Ohio’s Literary Spirit at the 2025 Buckeye Book Fair On Saturday, November 1st, beginning at 9:30 AM, the Buckeye Book Fair will open its doors for a full day celebrating Ohio’s talented authors, illustrators, and storytellers! This year’s event promises an engaging mix of presentations, workshops, and read-alouds designed to inspire creativity, spark conversation,Continue reading “2025 Author + Illustrator Presentations”

September Buckeye Bookmark

This edition of the Buckeye Bookmark is filled with previews to help you build your itinerary and make the most of the day. From panel discussions to a scavenger hunt, flash fiction writing, and the chance to meet Ohio Indies and trending authors like Patrick Ryan, there is something for everyone. And, of course, traditions continue with beloved names like Will and Jane Hillenbrand, Dandi Daley Mackall, and Richard Cowdrey.

Step Inside the Traveling Stanzas Poetry Makerspace at Buckeye Book Fair

The Poetry Makerspace is the first of its kind in the country, a fully refurbished recreational vehicle, originally donated to the Wick Poetry Center by WKSU, that has been transformed into a vibrant, interactive poetry lab. With this innovative design, the Wick Poetry Center has put wheels on their award-winning Traveling Stanzas program, extending its reach to schools, libraries, hospitals, and community centers across Ohio.

Maureen Wise Blends Faith, Nature, and Sustainability in Her Latest Devotional

Maureen Wise has spent her career immersed in environmental science and sustainability, from teaching college-level courses to restoring streams and, humorously, struggling to keep houseplants alive. With a deep appreciation for nature and a knack for storytelling, Wise is uniquely positioned to reveal the beauty of the natural world. Writing under the pen name IrisContinue reading “Maureen Wise Blends Faith, Nature, and Sustainability in Her Latest Devotional”

Danae Wolfe’s New Book Invites Us to Rethink Our Lawns

“Writing ‘Don’t Ignore Your Décor’ challenged me just as much as I hope it challenges readers,” Wolfe says. “We don’t often connect things like our holiday decorations to biodiversity, but those decisions can ripple out onto our ecosystems.”

Charity Pleasant’s Memoir Inspires Action Through Optimism and Honesty

She acknowledges that maintaining a positive outlook isn’t always easy. “The sun sets on the just and unjust,” she says with a knowing smile. “You must train and retrain the mind to pause and look hard sometimes.”

Growing Accessibility and Inclusion at the Buckeye Book Fair

The stories Kimberly heard at LEAD from people who overcome significant obstacles were especially inspiring. They reinforced the importance of ongoing growth and improvement in every area of the organization. Even small steps, when thoughtfully implemented, can make a big difference.