Last week I attended the Book Expo America in New York City.  I will be reviewing some of the wonderful books I discovered on upcoming posts, but for Friday field trip this week, I thought you might enjoy seeing some of the celebrities that attended the event to promote their books.  Much to my pleasure, some celebrity chefs were represented, as you can see by the photo above of Giada De Laurentiis.  You probably already know I am a big Food Network fan by my visit to the ‘sacred ground’…a tour of Food Network…or, by my sharing of Bobby Flay’s Vanilla Bean Bourbon Milkshake recipe…so I was one happy camper to have the opportunity to meet some Food Network chefs while attending the Book Expo America!

Giada wrote a delightful new young readers series called Recipe for Adventure available in September 2013.  I read the Naples! edition and it is a wonderful story…incorporating foods and adventure and even some recipe cards!  A really awesome gift for any young readers on your holiday gift list this year!

I have attended more basketball games in my life than I could ever count, and certainly more than any other sport…So, it was a thrill for me to get the chance to talk to basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and to shake the hand that sunk enough balls to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer…the hand that shot the infamous ‘sky-hook.’  Like Giada, he too wrote a book for a young audience.  Already a best-selling author, the title of his newest book Sasquatch in the Paint is aimed at readers 8 to 12 years old and is loosely based on challenges he faced while growing up.

Chelsea Handler’s newest book is titled Uganada Be Kidding Me.  Described as a travelogue, it is due out in October.

Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi  of Jersey Shore fame wrote Baby Bumps:  From Party Girl to Proud Mama, and all the Messy Milestones Along the Way due out in January 2014.

Debra Messing narrated the book The Little Red Hen due out in the fall.  (I love that this beautiful redhead narrated The Little ‘Red’ Hen!)  You go on to bigger and better things Debra, but you will always be Grace to me!  A truly lovely person.

Paula and I did not discuss the cookbook she has coming out in October:  Paula Deen’s New Testament – we talked about our kids!  My admiration for her connection with her sons ensued a discussion of relationships with our children.  I know she has a really big personality, but I don’t think on television you can appreciate what a beautiful woman she is…she is stunning!

This guy attracted an awful lot of attention!  I was wondering what type of book Jim Carrey would write…a children’s book seems appropriate for this comedian and his new picture book looks to be as fun as he is!  Wonderfully illustrated, the book is about a wave named Roland and is titled How Roland Rolls.  This is an excerpt from a letter Jim Carrey posted on the book’s website – written to the parents of children reading his book:   “I wrote How Roland Rolls specifically as a way for parents and grandparents to enjoy some quality hang-time. I hope the message of the story will help them feel connected, worthwhile, and a part of something vast and grand.”

Another basketball legend I was honored to meet!  John Stockton played point guard for the Utah Jazz for 19 seasons and had an amazing career – playing on a team that never missed the playoffs while he was on it!  In my opinion, he is also part of the reason people know the name Gonzaga!  He is an all-around nice guy and I am excited about his new autobiography Assisted that shares glimpses of his personal life as well as his amazing basketball career.

My discussion with this gal started out about Alec Baldwin, but we did discuss the premise of her new children’s book, which I totally fell in love with!  My Mom is a Foreigner, But Not to Me addresses the experience of growing up with a mom from another country.  Like in her Freckleface Strawberry books, Julianne Moore writes from experience, which helps her books ring true with her young readers.  I see this as an important book for youngsters.

Former Presidential Candidate’s wife Ann Romney was on hand to share some recipes from her new cookbook coming out this fall, The Romney Family Table.

Fellow Food Network fans will recognize ‘Rock Star’ Anne Burrell.  Anne has a follow-up to her bestselling debut cookbook called Own Your Kitchen:  Recipes to Inspire & Empower that is expected for release in October.

T. Colin Campbell has written a newly released book Whole:  Rethinking the Science of Nutrition.  Dr. Campbell is featured in the documentary Forks Over Knives:  How a Plant-Based Diet Can Save America and is co-author of The China Study.  I have been strongly impacted by Dr. Campbell and his research since I saw Forks Over Knives and I am looking forward to reading his latest book.

This celebrity may not be as familiar to you, but I had to add him in my collection of celebrities since meeting illustrator Lorenzo Mattotti was a big deal to me.  Highly acclaimed in the art world and a creator of comics, painting, and illustration, Lorenzo Mattotti actually illustrated something for me on the spot when I met him…so cool!

I hope you enjoyed checking out some of the celebrities that attended the 2013 Book Expo America on this week’s Friday field trip.

Have a wonderful weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Sharing at The Tablescaper and A Pinch of Joy.