Childrens Literature Centre

Mar 2, 2026 9:00 AM

22nd Annual Storybook Holiday

The 22nd annual Storybook Holiday celebration, hosted by Frostburg State University’s Children’s Literature Centre, took place in Downtown Frostburg on Saturday, December 6, from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The family-friendly event featured a parade, storybook readings, craft vendors, carriage rides, seasonal activities, and the chance to meet Santa and children’s author Kristin Kladstrup, who presented and signed her book The Gingerbread Pirates. Highlights included Breakfast with the Elves, the Elf Olympics, Cocoa with the Po-Po, the Kids’ Elf Training Academy, the Community Model Railroad Club Display, and the Festival of Trees, culminating with a showing of Miracle on 34th Street. Most activities were free, with fees for breakfast and the film. Storybook Holiday was sponsored by FSU’s Children’s Literature Centre, the city of Frostburg, Frostburg Fire-Rescue, local businesses, and community organizations.

Book Award Celebration

Frostburg State University’s Children’s Literature Centre (CLC) recently held its 13th Annual Book Award Celebration, honoring author Hilary Horder Hippely for her picture book I Know How to Draw an Owl.

As part of the award, winners receive a monetary prize, a commemorative plaque, and the opportunity to visit Westernport Elementary, the Centre’s adopted adopted school, is to share their work with students. This year, Hippely generously donated her prize back to the CLC and matched the amount, allowing the Centre to purchase an autographed copy of her book for every student at Westernport.

I Know How to Draw an Owl has earned significant national acclaim, including the 2025 Charlotte Zolotow Award, the 2025 Boston Globe–Horn Book Award, a 2025 Junior Library Guild Gold Star selection, and recognition on several “Best Picture Books of the Year” lists. It has also been nominated for multiple 2026 state book awards.

“This year's award was extra special,” said Dr. Sarah O’Neal '04/M’05, Director of the Children’s Literature Centre. “The book’s many honors highlight its merit and the importance of its message. Each year we celebrate stories that embody compassion, love, and courage, and this book does all three.”