Connection Newspapers: “InkandescentKids Book Fair Celebrates Writers of All Ages”

August 5, 2026 — In today’s article, reporter Shirley Ruhe shared information about InkandescentKids.com and our August 8 Children’s Book Fair and 1st Birthday party. Scroll down to read the article. And stay tuned for exciting details about the smashing event that drew a large crowd at Elaine’s in Old Town, Alexandria: ElainesLiterarySalon.com. 

By Shirley Ruhe, Gazette Packet

Inkandescent Kids Magazine” is celebrating its one-year birthday at a Book Fair on Aug. 8 at Elaine’s Restaurant, 208 Queen Street in Old Town, Alexandria.

Hope Katz Gibbs, the founder of the magazine and organizer of the event, says they have more than 30 authors and sponsors signed up so far. Each author or illustrator will have access to a table with chairs, an electrical outlet, social media promotion, and a time slot for a reading, plus an opportunity to sign and sell their books.

InkandescentKids team: Hope Katz Gibbs, publisher + Ellen Smith, editor

“But we’re really hoping they bring along their families. We’re after the kids, hoping to engage them in the thought process behind writing at an early age. There will be a lot of arts activities for kids, a photo booth, student musicians and a lot of fun things to do.”

A kid can be anywhere from kindergarten to college age and, for $3, obtain a slot in the currently online magazine edited by Ellen Smith, who explains, “We really want to hear what kids have to say; they are so smart, and it can be amazing.”

Gibbs says, “We want kids to express themselves. Anyone who wants kids to get off of social media and think for themselves in an AI-free zone will want to see what we have to offer.

“I have no control over what’s going on in this chaotic world,” Gibbs explains. “This is my solution instead of going crazy every day. If I can train kids to think for themselves, I have made my worthwhile contribution to the world.”

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