My 2nd book discussion panel of my Chicago barnstorm weekend was at the annual American Library Association conference, which is a wild, pinging, electric please-be-careful-if-you're sensitive-to-loud-color-and-sound atmosphere.

I stopped by the Oxford Academic (Oxford University Press), for whom I delivered a zoom book talk four days prior, and for whom I worked for 9 great years.

I then made acquaintances with the mighty Ann Koffsky, who was kind enough to drop by my Amsterdam Publishers booth in return.

I also spoke with her publisher about my children's book ideas, and you better believe there'll be more to report on that front.

But the mission was to man the AP booth before my colleagues and I headed off to our Memory Keeper panel responsibilities.

Our moderator was a well-researched well-prepared lady named Andrea, who asked excellent questions, and my colleagues and I provided our best answers. I quoted Benjamin Franklin. I have a penchant for that. My host for the weekend, Charles, called me a magpie. Interesting. I didn't know that's a thing, but crowds appreciate sensing well-readness in presenters.

We then signed books, and those of us who nearly emptied their wares at previous panels, certainly finally did so this time.

With that, it was a wrap, and I zipped to the balagan that is ORD, and made my way home.

'Twas a maximally productive weekend, and I can't wait to do anything like it again. My colleagues are amazing.

P.S. I had NO idea that all books at ALA were available for free. I should have realized when I saw kids with bubby carts just sweeping books into them. Next time I'll be better prepared.