More than 100 pieces of original art to be auctioned during the Annual Children’s Art Auction and Reception [2] on June 6 at BookExpo America [3]are now available for preview online. [4]

© Judy Schachner From: Skippyjon Jones and the Big Bones (Dutton Children's Books)

The auction, sponsored by the ABC Children’s Group at ABA [5], benefits the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression [6] and its defense of the free speech rights of young readers.

The usually silent auction will include some live bidding this year. Award-winning author Walter Dean Myers and his son, illustrator Christopher Myers, will act as auctioneers.

The auction will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Javits Convention Center in the light and airy section at the end of the South Concourse (Level 2). Light refreshments, beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks will be served. After the auction, buses will drop attendees at convenient locations in midtown Manhattan.

Tickets are $95 ($75 for bookseller members of the ABC Children’s Group) and can be purchased here [2]. Tickets are limited and may sell out prior to BEA. If not, they can be purchased at the event or at a preview of auction artwork in the South Concourse during the day on June 6. Tickets purchased onsite will be $105 ($85 for ABC booksellers). A ticket to the auction is included in ABC Children’s Institute registration [7].

A number of pieces will also be raffled at the auction. Raffle tickets may be purchased during the June 6 preview.