The Bigfoot Kids Book Festival started as an idea from founder, Dan Ullom, co-owner of Brick & Mortar Books. As a bookstore owner Dan has hosted many author events and has seen the positive impact on children who meet their favorite author. As a former elementary teacher, he understands that these experiences can have a lifelong effect on one's self-perception as a reader and lover of literature. In August of 2022, he worked with Ellie Peterson and Kevan Atteberry, local children's book author/illustrators and advisory members of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators of Western Washington, to bring 20 authors and illustrators for a signing event outside Brick & Mortar. The event was so well-received that the three decided to go even bigger, creating the Bigfoot Kids Book Festival. We have since teamed with King County Public Library System, among others, to make this idea reality.