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Young Alberta Book Society Chrysalis Literary Festival

Chrysalis is the book festival that refuses to grow up. Organized by the Young Alberta Book Society, or YABS, Chrysalis is the book festival devoted to children. It has been running for 20 years and remains a huge hit with students. Calling it huge is not an overstatement; over the course of the festival, more than fifty writers, illustrators, storytellers and playwrights present their work to over 50,000 students.

In the early 1980s, Chrysalis was not yet so robust, with only about 50 presentations in various schools. By 2001, over 650 presentations were held in public libraries and schools. Each year, the festival has a theme. For Chrysalis 2001, the theme was word play, and focused on the premise that children who interact and play with their language have a better understanding of the world around them. In 2003, students were encouraged to "Pop Out, Jump Up, Dive In!"

Throughout its long history, Chrysalis has introduced thousands of children to the world of Alberta literature. Not only does the festival encourage literacy and a love of reading in children but it also promotes local writers, illustrators and publishers. For children's literature in Alberta, Chrysalis is a fun way to create a win-win situation.

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