This weekend is our last weekend in Texas. We drove up to Austin for a quick visit so the Pud could see her grandma and grandpa. I had heard that the Texas Book Festival was also taking place this weekend, so I thought it would be fun to check it out.

I checked the schedule and to my delight I saw that Jarett Krosoczka would be reading. I first heard of Jarrett through this movie. I've become a fan of his blog since then. I even checked out a few of his books from the local library for the Pud. I didn't know what to expect from the festival but made it my mission to get my photo taken with Jarrett and get a book signed.

My sister was a bit relectant to go at first, but finally decided to join (and drive us). We got to the festival a bit before Jarett's speaking time so we checked out the Book Sale tent. I bought "My buddy, Slug" for Kiran and my sister was so impressed with "Punk Farm" that she bought a copy for herself. The people in the tent were incredibly helpful, as was everyone throughout the festival. We made our way to the reading tent. I saw Jarrett sitting in the back of the audience. My sister convinced me it would be poor manners to attack him there before his time so I thoughtfully refrained. We listened to the illustrator of Sea Dogs, Mark Siegel.

After he finished speaking Kiran went up to sit in front of the stage and I sat in the front row. I started talking to a lovely lady sitting to my left and discovered that she was Jarrett's girlfriend, Gina. Now let me tell you folks she is a sweetie and very cute. We chatted for a bit and then Jarrett was introduced by a little boy who smoked everyone with his report and dapper attire.

I am in awe of people who can speak well in front of an audience and Jarrett was great. He encouraged audience participation, made everyone giggle and did a fabulous reading of Punk Farm. The Pud even raised her cute quotient by recognizing the books we have read before and letting everyone know. He is also a genuinely nice person with a lot of talent, sense of humor and no bull.

After the show I was able to accomplish one of my goals, got to briefly meet Jarrett and Gina and even converted my sister into a fan.

Mission Accomplished. (except for that autograph, but when the Pud is ready to go, and the tent is chaos, it is time to go)