About Your Instructor – Anita Silvey

Uniquely Qualified Instructor

An articulate, funny and dynamic presenter, Anita Silvey has had a career at the heart of the children’s book industry. A long‑term editor of The Horn Book Magazine, she served as publisher for children’s books at Houghton Mifflin. She is the author of 100 Best Books for Childrenand the online website, Children’s Book‑A‑Day Almanac. Her latest book is Everything I Need to Know I Learned from a Children’s Book, a best seller. She is also the author of The 100 Best Books for Children and How to Use Them in Your Program (Grades K‑6), the extensive resource handbook each participant will receive at the seminar.

Anita teaches a course in Children’s Book Publishing at Simmons College in Boston and in Author/Illustrator Studies at Saint Michael’s College in Vermont. Publisher’s Weekly has said, “It would be hard to find a more authoritative voice than Anita Silvey,” and anyone who has heard her speak would agree. Having read more than 125,000 children’s books and manuscripts, Anita conveys, in a way that only someone with her experience can, enthusiasm for and insights into our classic books for children.

What Your Colleagues Say About Your Presenter

“Anita is a fantastic presenter! Her background stories are so educational and entertaining. She has made me excited about all these books! I greatly appreciate all her time and effort in creating this wonderful seminar!”
– Barbara Giordano, 2nd Grade Teacher

“This seminar is so informative and interesting! Anita was able to hold our interest, renew our love for books that we may have forgotten, and introduce us to books that are new to us.”
– Denise Finley, 3rd Grade Teacher

“I will take all this wonderful information back to my school and light many more fires in our students. So much information to use!”
– Tricia Sudash, School Librarian

“Anita is one of the most refreshing presenters I have ever heard! She is truly an authority on children’s books. I had an enjoyable learning experience today!”
– Susan Vernon, 2nd Grade Teacher

“Anita Silvey is amazing! She shares her love of children’s books in a vivid and fun way!”
– Rachael Springs, Library Assistant

“Anita has a wealth of knowledge about children’s books. She is able to tell the history behind so many of the books – now I can pass this information on to my students.”
– Cherie Craig, School Librarian

“Anita is delightful and her seminar is packed with information. Beyond that, she inspired me to discover and rediscover the best of children’s books!”
– Deb Whitney, Program Assistant

“Anita Silvey really conveys her love of literature through her very accurate description of the best children’s books. I’m leaving with great information and resources that I will use in my classroom and with my future students.”
– Rebecca Goller, 6th Grade Special Education Teacher

“This seminar is very informative. I will be able to incorporate all these books, websites and resources into my classroom.”
– Erin Storer, 4th Grade Teacher

“Ms. Silvey is a fount of information! I really enjoyed the personal stories of the authors. The handbook will be a wonderful resource for my entire school.”
– Karina Gross, School Librarian

“Fantastic! Anita brought back so many books to mind that I hadn’t thought of in a long time. I want to go home and read!”
– Donna TerBush, Media Specialist

“Excellent seminar! Uplifting, inspirational and packed with valuable information!”
– Amy Groetz, 1st Grade Teacher