by Lisa Adams
Daily Lobo
UNM alumnae Marilyn Markel and Carilyn Alarid said it took them about 10 years to get their children's book published.
"We did a lot of work editing the book," Alarid said.
The sisters were part of the UNM Bookstore Children's Book Fair on Saturday.
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After about 80 children gathered around them as they read Old Grandfather Teaches a Lesson.
The book was made for fourth-grade students, Alarid said, and teaches the importance of respecting others.
Alarid said they have been pleased with the feedback the book has received, especially from children.
"One little boy came up to Marilyn and told her it was his favorite book in the world," she said.
Both sisters said it is important to teach children about social skills early.
"If we can change the life of one kid, we've done our job," Alarid said.
The UNM Bookstore has been hosting the Children's Book Fair for about 20 years.
Anicia Esposito, marketing manager for the bookstore, said the event usually draws about 75 to 100 people.
Esposito said the book fair is an annual event that corresponds with National Children's Book Week.
This year, they had special guests.
Several reptiles and parrots were brought to the bookstore by Exotics of the Rainforest. Animal handlers showed the children snakes, lizards, amphibians and spiders.
Garret Phelan, a child who attended the fair, said he was excited about the animals.
"I like the parrots that talk. I know one of them said hello to me," he said.
Valerie Mangan said she was happy about the event's focus on reading.
"I read about the fair in the paper, and we came out because one of the biggest things on our Christmas list for this year is books," she said.
Regina Chavez, a fifth-grade student from Los Ranchos Elementary School, said she came to the book fair to get her favorite book.
"My favorite book is Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events. There are 12 books and I've read all of them," she said.
Bookstore employees worked double-time hosting the fair, Esposito said.
"All the UNM Bookstore staff are working hard to promote children's literacy," she said.
