The 2018 Books Along the Teche Literary Festival expanded its audience this year by incorporating creative ways to involve the youth. Registrations exceeded expectations as elementary age students brought their ideas into the Young Storybook Workshop held at A&E Gallery. 

“It was wonderful. We were surprised how they got into it,” said Paul Schexnayder. “Usually you take a long time to brainstorm but they came with their ideas and writing then began the drawing process. It was all laid out. The books were all different subjects.”

Under the supervision of Margaret Simon and Paul Schexnayder, 15 youth created covers and several pages of their own storybooks before the workshop ended. Each registrant was given leading questions and they were ready to begin at the outset of the class. The young authors and illustrators were able to take the 30-page booklets home to complete the drawning planned out in storyboard process. 

Also part of the festival was an art contest. Youth were instructed to bring their landscapes drawing and paintings for display at the gallery throughout the weekend.  

ELEMENTARY — 1st-Alora Guibeau,  from Coteau Elementary 3rd grade.

MIDDLE SCHOOL — 1st-Emily Genest in 7th grade, 2nd-Alicia Lindsley in 7th grade, 3rd-Jolie DeRouen in 8th grade, Honorable Mentions-Evening Dore and Gabriel Magana, both in 8th grade. All students attend Iberia Middle School.

HIGH SCHOOL — 1st-Hunter Darby in 11th grade, 2nd-Ava Tauriac in 9th grade, 3rd-Izabella Romero in 12th grade, Honorable Mention-Aaron DeRouen in 10th grade. All students attend New Iberia Senior High School. Also receiving an Honorable Mention was Ray’Triona Robertson a 10th grader at Jeanerette High School.