Tents on the campus of Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, Texas, April 7, 2006 marked the beginning of the Children's Book Festival "Texas on Parade." The festival treated 1,700 four-year-olds to the wonderful books of Kathy Whitehead who read from her book "Looking for Uncle Louie on the Fourth of July" and Debbie Leland who read from her book "The Jalapeno Man." Ann Hollis Rife illustrator of "The Jalapeno Man" treated the young readers to illustrations and readings as well.

Paige Dinn, chairperson of the festival, is seated and ready to take care of thousands of details in her Del Mar golf cart with her walkie talkie at the ready.

Dr. Christine Marroquin worked hard to insure that children were signed in and ready to explore. Way to go Dr. Marroquin.

Kathy Whitehead read from her book and had the total attention of all her young readers.

Debbie Leland and Paige Dinn take a moment to pose for the camera with a smile and a sea of enthusiasm.

Ann Hollis Rife shows the children how an illustrator creates the illustrations for books. Almost like magic.

Saveetra Jupiter enjoys watching her young students enjoy Debbie Leland. Saveetra is completing her master of science degree at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Way to go Saveetra.

Linda Escobedo and Sabrina Martinez enjoy the moment with their students. Both Linda and Sabrina completed their master of science degree in reading from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. They are great teachers; and they love books.

All children received free juice and a place to sit and ponder their free books which they LOVED.

Dr. Jana Sanders helps direct traffic and makes sure a free book is in each child's hand and heart.

Dr. Jana Sanders and Dr. Corinne Valadez take a moment away from distributing books to enjoy the music, the sunshine, and the books of our authors and illustrator. A very special thank you goes to the students of Dr. Sanders and Dr. Valadez for making sure that each of the 1,700 children got an HEB sack in which to place their brand new book. These student volunteers were INVALUABLE. Thank you a million times over.

Kenja Johnson, music therapist with CCISD, sang and celebrated for three hours straight so that each of the children could sing and celebrate the wonder of music. You're a marvel Kenja.

Another marvel is Mary Christmas who sang and danced the morning away with spirit and joy.

Finally, the time came when the buses started arriving; and all the authors, teachers, volunteers, workers, and celebrants waved good-bye until next year.

Several of the committee members met in the Regents Room on campus afterward for a wonderful light lunch and a farewell salute. Front Row left to right: Mary Christmas, Kristen Wilkerson, Ann Hollis Rife, Paige Dinn, Kathy Whitehead, Annette Hodges, Blanca Brocker. Back Row left to right: Karen Turner, Debbie Leland, Jana Sanders, Irma Woods, Jean Meadors, Pat Shufelt, Brenda Chapman, Patricia Herrera, Linda Ard, and Suzel Mendieta with Marsha Grace behind the camera.

Thank you everyone.

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