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District 58 elementary students had the opportunity this week to meet acclaimed children’s book authors during Author Fest, held April 22–24 at each of the District’s elementary schools. This year’s event featured celebrated children’s authors Matt Eicheldinger, Maddie Frost, and Dev Petty.
All first-, third-, and fifth-grade students across the District participated in engaging sessions where they learned directly from the authors about the writing and illustration process. In addition, small groups of students had the unique opportunity to connect more personally with the authors during special lunch discussions.
A beloved annual tradition, Author Fest continues to inspire enthusiasm for reading, writing, creative thinking, and illustration among District 58 students. The event is made possible by the Downers Grove Area Council of PTAs, with support from the Education Foundation of District 58 and the Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club.
Author Fest 2026 concludes with a community book signing at Anderson’s Bookshop, 5112 Main Street in Downers Grove, on Friday, April 24 at 5 p.m. Twenty percent of all book purchases during the event will benefit the PTA Council and support future district-wide programming.
District 58 extends a heartfelt thank you to our community partners for making this incredible opportunity possible for students.
VIEW AUTHOR FEST 2026 PHOTO GALLERY
About the Authors:
Matt Eicheldinger is a New York Times bestselling author who draws on the nostalgia of his youth and his experience as a teacher to craft stories rooted in life’s most authentic moments. He is widely known as one of the most recognizable teachers on social media, where his relatable storytelling has earned more than 100 million views. His debut middle-grade novel, the first in the Matt Sprouts series, was an instant USA TODAY and New York Times bestseller in its first week of publication. He has also written for adult audiences and has eight additional books scheduled for release over the next two years.
Author Fest discussions feature: Matt Sprouts and the Curse of Ten Broken Toes, Holes in My Underwear, and When the Rain Came!
Maddie Frost is an author and illustrator whose work has received multiple starred reviews and a Bologna Ragazzi Award. She began her career as a teacher before transitioning into illustration and ultimately becoming an author-illustrator of her own books. Known for her imaginative approach and playful creativity, she brings her stories to life through both writing and illustration. During her school presentations, she shares insights from her newest books and offers students a glimpse into the creative process, often concluding with a draw-along activity that celebrates storytelling, experimentation, and creative risk-taking.
Author Fest discussions feature: Little Boo, Bear in a Bathrobe, and Cats on Cats on Cats.
Dev Petty is the author of numerous picture books for children that “make you laugh a lot and think a little, sometimes the reverse.” She began her career as a visual effects artist, contributing to projects including The Matrix series as well as numerous film, television, and game productions. She later transitioned to picture books, debuting with I Don’t Want to Be a Frog. Her work has earned recognition and awards across multiple titles, including Claymates, a whimsical photographic adventure featuring clay characters that sculpt themselves into imaginative shapes.
Author Fest discussions feature: Clay Date