Kirby Larson's Blog, page 78
March 16, 2011
The Three R's
You are going to just kick yourself if you don't check out the amazing "Rediscover, Replenish Re-Vision" retreat the Arizona SCBWI is offering. And I'm not saying that just because I'll be there, either! Editor Kendra Levin and I and the Arizona board are working hard to create an atmosphere to engender maximum creativity with minimum stress. Learn more here. But here's a little information to whet your whistle:
SCBWI ARIZONA PRESENTS Rediscover, Replenish, Re-Vision
A Writers Retreat with a Holistic Approach ~ to help you thrive in your writing endeavors through a blending of craft and life coaching techniques that merge left brain with right brain, combine practical information with intuitive insight and mesh creativity with analytical elements.
Friday, May 20, 2011 - Sunday, May 22, 2011 At the Historic COD Ranch www.codranch.com
Retreat Leaders
Kendra Levin Editor Viking Children's Books, an imprint of Penguin Group USA Certified Writers Life Coach
Kirby Larson Award-winning Children's Book Author Recipient of the 2007 Newbery Honor and the 2009 Christopher Award
ABOUT THE RETREAT
An opportunity for writers of middle grade and young adult novels to escape the routines and demands of every day life and concentrate on nurturing and empowering their inner writer while reconnecting with their works-in-progress.
Retreat. Step into the peace and quiet of the secluded C.O.D. Ranch - where you will be nourished by inspiration, camaraderie, and professional guidance.
Learn how to cherish, encourage, and utilize the muse from first draft to polished manuscript. Sessions will focus on revision, character motivation, promise and premise, plotting, dialogue, and personal and project goal-setting.
Writers who are interested in this retreat will need to submit the first 5000 words (or the first 20 pages) of a professionally formatted work-in-progress and an addendum including the following: an abbreviated single spaced one paragraph synopsis, a brief summary of prior writing related experiences if applicable (i.e. published titles with publishers names and dates; conferences; workshops; classes; etc.) and a statement of what they hope to gain from this retreat.
ABOUT THE SETTING Overlooking the expanse of the Coronado National Forest north of Tucson, Arizona, the Historic COD Ranch is a natural haven to enjoy beautiful views overlooking 6,000 acres of the Galiuro Mountains and unbelievable evening starlit skies.
The COD Ranch is accessible by car from all parts of Arizona and neighboring states. Tucson International Airport is approximately 45 minutes and Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix is approximately 100 miles.
HOW TO REGISTER Registration includes all retreat activities, six delicious meals by the talented Chef David Raneri, and clean, comfortable shared lodging. Private lodging is available at an additional cost of $35.00
DON'T DELAY! Space is limited. A minimum number of registrations must be received by March 25th, 2011 or the event will be cancelled. No at the door registration. Registration will remain open until all slots are filled.
For more information contact: Michelle Parker-Rock RegionalAdvisor@scbwi-az.org or call 480 342-7045 .
REGISTER NOW!
SCBWI ARIZONA PRESENTS Rediscover, Replenish, Re-Vision
A Writers Retreat with a Holistic Approach ~ to help you thrive in your writing endeavors through a blending of craft and life coaching techniques that merge left brain with right brain, combine practical information with intuitive insight and mesh creativity with analytical elements.
Friday, May 20, 2011 - Sunday, May 22, 2011 At the Historic COD Ranch www.codranch.com
Retreat Leaders
Kendra Levin Editor Viking Children's Books, an imprint of Penguin Group USA Certified Writers Life Coach
Kirby Larson Award-winning Children's Book Author Recipient of the 2007 Newbery Honor and the 2009 Christopher Award
ABOUT THE RETREAT
An opportunity for writers of middle grade and young adult novels to escape the routines and demands of every day life and concentrate on nurturing and empowering their inner writer while reconnecting with their works-in-progress.
Retreat. Step into the peace and quiet of the secluded C.O.D. Ranch - where you will be nourished by inspiration, camaraderie, and professional guidance.
Learn how to cherish, encourage, and utilize the muse from first draft to polished manuscript. Sessions will focus on revision, character motivation, promise and premise, plotting, dialogue, and personal and project goal-setting.
Writers who are interested in this retreat will need to submit the first 5000 words (or the first 20 pages) of a professionally formatted work-in-progress and an addendum including the following: an abbreviated single spaced one paragraph synopsis, a brief summary of prior writing related experiences if applicable (i.e. published titles with publishers names and dates; conferences; workshops; classes; etc.) and a statement of what they hope to gain from this retreat.
ABOUT THE SETTING Overlooking the expanse of the Coronado National Forest north of Tucson, Arizona, the Historic COD Ranch is a natural haven to enjoy beautiful views overlooking 6,000 acres of the Galiuro Mountains and unbelievable evening starlit skies.
The COD Ranch is accessible by car from all parts of Arizona and neighboring states. Tucson International Airport is approximately 45 minutes and Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix is approximately 100 miles.
HOW TO REGISTER Registration includes all retreat activities, six delicious meals by the talented Chef David Raneri, and clean, comfortable shared lodging. Private lodging is available at an additional cost of $35.00
DON'T DELAY! Space is limited. A minimum number of registrations must be received by March 25th, 2011 or the event will be cancelled. No at the door registration. Registration will remain open until all slots are filled.
For more information contact: Michelle Parker-Rock RegionalAdvisor@scbwi-az.org or call 480 342-7045 .
REGISTER NOW!
March 15, 2011
Good News comes in Threes!
Winner of over a dozen Children's Choice awardsMary and I found out that Two Bobbies has won two more Children's Choice awards -- in Louisiana and in South Carolina! Woo-hoo! Not to be outdone, Nubs has been nominated for a Beverly Cleary (Oregon) Children's Choice award. 
Also recent recipient of the Great Lakes Children's Choice Award
March 14, 2011
Plans for Saturday?
If not, and you're in the area, please come to the Firehouse Theater in Kingston, where I'll be speaking about The Fences Between Us this coming Saturday (March 19) at 11 a.m. The lively Liberty Bay Books is sponsoring my visit.
I wanted to post a picture of the theater (is it really in a Firehouse?) but couldn't find any so will be sure to snap one on Saturday. This will be the second time ever I've spoken in a movie theater. (The first was in Harlowtown, Montana).
I hope there will be popcorn.
I wanted to post a picture of the theater (is it really in a Firehouse?) but couldn't find any so will be sure to snap one on Saturday. This will be the second time ever I've spoken in a movie theater. (The first was in Harlowtown, Montana).
I hope there will be popcorn.
March 13, 2011
Road to Tater Hill
Even though she married into it, I would say Edith Hemingway lives up to her name! On my trip to Ohio, I had the chance to read her debut novel, Road to Tater Hill. It was tender and compelling with intriguing characters and an evocative 1960s rural setting. When 10-year-old Annie's mom loses the little baby they'd all been eager to make part of their lives, something shifts. Mom withdraws further and further, forcing Annie to find comfort elsewhere. She finds it in a rock baby she "adopts" from the nearby creek and in a strange old woman who has sorrows of her own.
I passed the book on to Bill Prosser at Mary Emma Bailey School in Dublin, Ohio so some of his avid readers could also enjoy Annie's story. I certainly look forward to reading more of Edie's work!
March 12, 2011
Sniff. My last day in Ohio
After four full days of presentations, my brain was a little foggy. Too foggy to remember to take any photos! Urgh. Take my word for it, the kids at Sidney Middle School and at Fort Loramie are just as adorable/handsome as the kids at Bailey and Botkins. My new friend, Paula Bryan, graciously picked me up in the cold early hours of Friday morning to drive me to Sidney Middle School. There we met Sidney Chamber of Commerce member, Priscilla Wilt, who would be my guide for the rest of the day (the Sidney Chamber of Commerce gave the financial support for my visit; thanks, too, to Dawn Eilert of the Chamber!). I gave Paula a hug and the idea to connect with Michele Meyer about presenting a literacy workshop at Wright State this summer (don't forget, Paula!).
Sidney Middle School has this amazing facility they call the "auditoria" -- part auditorium, part cafeteria. It sounds odd but it works like a charm! Not only did 6th and 7th graders from Sidney squeeze in, so did students from a nearby Christian school and a county school. Though we had some microphone challenges, everything worked out great and the kids were respectful and welcoming. Thank you, too, to the Talented and Gifted teacher, Meggan Weaver, for getting faculty and staff psyched for my visit.
After the visit and lunch at a local restaurant with a school house theme, Priscilla spirited me away to Fort Loramie High School, where I spoke with 6th and 7th graders. I was first introduced by three very thoughtful and articulate students (I'm sorry they vanished before I could get their names) and then spent an enjoyable and lively 45 minutes talking books. What could be better?
Following the visit, Priscilla graciously gave me a tour of Sidney --there were several incredible old houses for sale I could picture myself living in -- wrapping up with a stop at The Spot for pie and coffee. Then it was to the hotel for me, to catch up on my blogging and pack my bags to return home.
Yes, I am very much looking forward to seeing hubby and dog, but it is hard to leave my new friends. The one consolation is that Ohio -- at least Dublin, Botkins and Sidney -- now rests in one corner of my heart. What did Hattie say? No amount of geography can keep caring hearts apart? (If she didn't say that, she should have.)
Sidney Middle School has this amazing facility they call the "auditoria" -- part auditorium, part cafeteria. It sounds odd but it works like a charm! Not only did 6th and 7th graders from Sidney squeeze in, so did students from a nearby Christian school and a county school. Though we had some microphone challenges, everything worked out great and the kids were respectful and welcoming. Thank you, too, to the Talented and Gifted teacher, Meggan Weaver, for getting faculty and staff psyched for my visit.
After the visit and lunch at a local restaurant with a school house theme, Priscilla spirited me away to Fort Loramie High School, where I spoke with 6th and 7th graders. I was first introduced by three very thoughtful and articulate students (I'm sorry they vanished before I could get their names) and then spent an enjoyable and lively 45 minutes talking books. What could be better?
Following the visit, Priscilla graciously gave me a tour of Sidney --there were several incredible old houses for sale I could picture myself living in -- wrapping up with a stop at The Spot for pie and coffee. Then it was to the hotel for me, to catch up on my blogging and pack my bags to return home.
Yes, I am very much looking forward to seeing hubby and dog, but it is hard to leave my new friends. The one consolation is that Ohio -- at least Dublin, Botkins and Sidney -- now rests in one corner of my heart. What did Hattie say? No amount of geography can keep caring hearts apart? (If she didn't say that, she should have.)
March 11, 2011
Botkins!!!!!
Reading Teacher, Michele Meyer, checked her email archives and realized it was almost exactly one year ago that we began an email correspondence. In March 2010, she had shared with me how her kids connected with Hattie Big Sky – they even had a Hats Off to Hattie week. We both made wishes on wishing rocks that I could somehow visit Botkins. . .and that wish came true today. @font-face { font-family: "Cambria";}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 10pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }
Michele picked me up at the Greatstone Castle (if you are ever in that part of Ohio, stay there! It's an amazing place, being restored with great love and care) and we drove to the school. . .and then right past it because Michele said she needed to check something out. She's so sneaky. . . what she wanted to check out was this warm welcome for me from a local business!
Then it was on to the school where I first met with the kinders, first, second and third graders. I talked to them about Two Bobbies and we had a great time.
They were sharp cookies when I asked them what kinds of questions they might have asked had they been setting out to write that book. Let me tell you, Mary and I could've used their help way back when. After the talk, it was their turn to teach me a few things, especially the Ohio State cheer. I got to be the "H."
Before I knew it the 4th, 5th and 6th graders were filing in and we had a great chat about nonfiction, mostly about Nubs. I was impressed with their thoughtful questions after the presentation. Evidently, I hadn't learned the Ohio cheer as well as I should've because this group gave me instruction as well. It was a lot of fun. Thank goodness for Josh who told me how to properly wear the Brutus the Buckeye hat!
Lunch was sandwiches in Mrs. Meyer's Reading Room with students who had had their essays about why they should eat lunch with me selected by teacher judges. Mrs. Meyer thoughtfully gave me copies of the essays which I haven't had time to read yet but look forward to reading on the plane ride home. While I noshed on my turkey and swiss, I was peppered with questions about my books – especially Hattie – and about writing.
This sharp group really illustrated to me how books can inspire careful and creative thinking even months after students read them. I could've stayed in Mrs. Meyer's room, talking books with these great kids, for hours and hours.
No matter which hallway I walked down, I saw a welcome sign!
Finally, the last group of the day filed into the gym. 6th, 7th and 8th graders gathered and once again Mrs. Meyer gave me a warm introduction. When she asked the kids to welcome me with applause, they jumped to their feet and I received my first ever standing ovation – and I hadn't yet uttered a word! I know I've said this before, but honestly, go into a public school and hang out for a while and you will be uplifted and encouraged.
My standing "O" They say the third time is a charm and by the third time through, I think I had a pretty good handle on the Ohio State cheer. Now, I'm supposed to go out and buy a bunch of blue clothes, right? (Just kidding, Botkins' friends. I know the only color to wear is red.)What I loved most about my time in this small school was seeing kids taking on tons of responsibility and exceeding expectations in living up to those responsibilities. Everyone contributes here and that creates a sense of valuing each person's contributions. One of the big blessings in my life is that Michele Meyer emailed me a year ago which led to being able to experience her energy and commitment firsthand.
Michele Meyer, Ella, Sarah Brown, Aspen -- Sarah first introduced Michele to Hattie Big Sky!
Parsley tasting 2010
"Parsley tasting" 2011It was hard to leave the school – kids kept wandering in to the Reading Room as I was signing books and wrapping up, just to say good-bye "one last time."
This Rooster Jim smells just fine!
My darling Perilee, aka Blake But leave I must as I was expected at Wright State University.They have an amazing reading education masters at Wright State (Michele Meyer is a grad), with fearless leaders in Paula Bryan and Judy Brewer. Judy and I went toe-to-toe over whose dog was cuter, her Chuck or my Winston. As soon as she emails a photo, I'll post it, along with one of Winston, and you can vote! These energetic women were a joy to spend the evening with. Imagine spending even more time with them, working on a masters' in reading! They work very hard to set the foundation to help Ohio teachers go the extra reading mile. We all ignored the falling snow outside and had a great time together. I was so appreciative that my writing friend, Michelle Houts, was also there (with her darling daughter) and she graciously helped me answer the many questions at the end of my talk. If you have not yet read her book, The Beef Princess of Practical County, you need to!All too soon, it was time to part company with Michele Meyer. The snow and cold cut short our good-bye hugs in the parking lot but that's okay. I learned that she has an old high school friend in Seattle and so I expect to see her (and her basketball team of a family) sometime in the not too distant future. There are some people who are such an easy fit in one's life and Michele is one of those. If you get to Botkins before I get back, look her up and give her a hug from me.Tomorrow: presentations in Sidney and Fort Loramie!
Michele picked me up at the Greatstone Castle (if you are ever in that part of Ohio, stay there! It's an amazing place, being restored with great love and care) and we drove to the school. . .and then right past it because Michele said she needed to check something out. She's so sneaky. . . what she wanted to check out was this warm welcome for me from a local business!
Then it was on to the school where I first met with the kinders, first, second and third graders. I talked to them about Two Bobbies and we had a great time.
They were sharp cookies when I asked them what kinds of questions they might have asked had they been setting out to write that book. Let me tell you, Mary and I could've used their help way back when. After the talk, it was their turn to teach me a few things, especially the Ohio State cheer. I got to be the "H."
Before I knew it the 4th, 5th and 6th graders were filing in and we had a great chat about nonfiction, mostly about Nubs. I was impressed with their thoughtful questions after the presentation. Evidently, I hadn't learned the Ohio cheer as well as I should've because this group gave me instruction as well. It was a lot of fun. Thank goodness for Josh who told me how to properly wear the Brutus the Buckeye hat!
Lunch was sandwiches in Mrs. Meyer's Reading Room with students who had had their essays about why they should eat lunch with me selected by teacher judges. Mrs. Meyer thoughtfully gave me copies of the essays which I haven't had time to read yet but look forward to reading on the plane ride home. While I noshed on my turkey and swiss, I was peppered with questions about my books – especially Hattie – and about writing.
This sharp group really illustrated to me how books can inspire careful and creative thinking even months after students read them. I could've stayed in Mrs. Meyer's room, talking books with these great kids, for hours and hours.
No matter which hallway I walked down, I saw a welcome sign!
Finally, the last group of the day filed into the gym. 6th, 7th and 8th graders gathered and once again Mrs. Meyer gave me a warm introduction. When she asked the kids to welcome me with applause, they jumped to their feet and I received my first ever standing ovation – and I hadn't yet uttered a word! I know I've said this before, but honestly, go into a public school and hang out for a while and you will be uplifted and encouraged.
My standing "O" They say the third time is a charm and by the third time through, I think I had a pretty good handle on the Ohio State cheer. Now, I'm supposed to go out and buy a bunch of blue clothes, right? (Just kidding, Botkins' friends. I know the only color to wear is red.)What I loved most about my time in this small school was seeing kids taking on tons of responsibility and exceeding expectations in living up to those responsibilities. Everyone contributes here and that creates a sense of valuing each person's contributions. One of the big blessings in my life is that Michele Meyer emailed me a year ago which led to being able to experience her energy and commitment firsthand.
Michele Meyer, Ella, Sarah Brown, Aspen -- Sarah first introduced Michele to Hattie Big Sky!
Parsley tasting 2010
"Parsley tasting" 2011It was hard to leave the school – kids kept wandering in to the Reading Room as I was signing books and wrapping up, just to say good-bye "one last time."
This Rooster Jim smells just fine!
My darling Perilee, aka Blake But leave I must as I was expected at Wright State University.They have an amazing reading education masters at Wright State (Michele Meyer is a grad), with fearless leaders in Paula Bryan and Judy Brewer. Judy and I went toe-to-toe over whose dog was cuter, her Chuck or my Winston. As soon as she emails a photo, I'll post it, along with one of Winston, and you can vote! These energetic women were a joy to spend the evening with. Imagine spending even more time with them, working on a masters' in reading! They work very hard to set the foundation to help Ohio teachers go the extra reading mile. We all ignored the falling snow outside and had a great time together. I was so appreciative that my writing friend, Michelle Houts, was also there (with her darling daughter) and she graciously helped me answer the many questions at the end of my talk. If you have not yet read her book, The Beef Princess of Practical County, you need to!All too soon, it was time to part company with Michele Meyer. The snow and cold cut short our good-bye hugs in the parking lot but that's okay. I learned that she has an old high school friend in Seattle and so I expect to see her (and her basketball team of a family) sometime in the not too distant future. There are some people who are such an easy fit in one's life and Michele is one of those. If you get to Botkins before I get back, look her up and give her a hug from me.Tomorrow: presentations in Sidney and Fort Loramie!
March 10, 2011
Dublin Day Two
@font-face { font-family: "Cambria";}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 10pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }
Bill Prosser and me with a cover of The Magic Kerchief Day Two in Dublin started out like Day One, only with rain. Once again, the obliging Bill Prosser stopped at Starbucks where he fueled up on a venti bold with room for cream and I got my usual nonfat latte plus some oatmeal for breakfast. I tried to hide it but I was pretty mad at Bill. I had seen that he had a copy of Jennifer Holm's newest book, the sequel to Our Only May Amelia, in his library so he lent it to me yesterday.
I cracked it open after the lovely dinner at Amy's and next thing I knew, I was reluctantly turning the last page. . .way too late at night. So all those dark circles you see under my eyes in the pictures in this post are Bill's fault! (And Jenni's, too; more about her amazing book later).
me with wonderful hostess Amy Proctor in "The Pit" by my signature--it was really okay to write on the walls! On top of making me stay up far too late, Bill made me work soooo hard today. The first portion of the day was spent signing books for kids – what a challenging job that was! I mean, imagine talking, one-on-one, with a whole bunch of really smart, thoughtful and polite kids for about 2 hours. I barely survived. ;-) I do wish our Nubs editor, Nancy Conescu, could've been there to see kids' faces light up when I told them that was Nubs' real paw print on the cover of that book. By the time the signing was over, I was plotting a way to sneak 550 kids into my suitcase to bring home. Do you think Neil would notice? Just before my first presentation of the day, Bill's partner in literary crimes and my new shopping bud, Joyce Christman, came in bearing gifts.
She is an incredibly talented jewelry maker and she brought in four stunning necklaces for me to choose from! It was a very hard decision but thanks to some help from student Audrey who helped me narrow four irresistible choices down to two,
I selected this one which I think will go with a lot of things. This thoughtful, lovely gesture I will wear on my heart even on days I don't wear the necklace.Today, I focused on talking about nonfiction. The kids loved learning more about how Mary and I researched and wrote Two Bobbies and Nubs. I can honestly say I wish we'd had their great minds when we were coming up with questions to ask to begin our research for each of those books. These Bailey kids had some insightful suggestions! Though I had never done a two day visit in a school before, I am so glad I had this opportunity. It gave me the chance to get to know the kids a little bit and really interact with them. I had a blast doing the presentations and I think the kids enjoyed them too.
Bailey's Newbery Club Lunchtime was pizza with the crew just above – a group of dedicated readers that read books from Mock Newbery lists and lobbied for their favorites, articulately and passionately. They had strong feelings about endings and I sure learned a lot. Okay – so maybe I can't fit 550 kids into my suitcase. I bet I could squeeze these 14 kids in . . .do you think their parents would notice?Okay, I promise. I won't take any kids. But I will take with me a lovely silver shamrock paperweight and marble coaster – a gift from the PTO on behalf of the school—and even better, I take with me memories of smart, fun, kind and funny kids and their smart, fun, kind and funny teachers and parents. My heart is full as I leave Dublin behind.My next adventure is to visit Botkins Elementary in Botkins, Ohio. Wonder teacher, Michele Meyer, picked me up at Panterra in Dublin where we noshed on soup and salad and then drove 90 or so scenic miles to Sidney where I was forced to rough it at the Greatstone Castle. I do suffer so, don't I?!
My Cinderella bedStay tuned for a report about my visit to Botkins and presentation at Wright State University. . .
Bill Prosser and me with a cover of The Magic Kerchief Day Two in Dublin started out like Day One, only with rain. Once again, the obliging Bill Prosser stopped at Starbucks where he fueled up on a venti bold with room for cream and I got my usual nonfat latte plus some oatmeal for breakfast. I tried to hide it but I was pretty mad at Bill. I had seen that he had a copy of Jennifer Holm's newest book, the sequel to Our Only May Amelia, in his library so he lent it to me yesterday.
I cracked it open after the lovely dinner at Amy's and next thing I knew, I was reluctantly turning the last page. . .way too late at night. So all those dark circles you see under my eyes in the pictures in this post are Bill's fault! (And Jenni's, too; more about her amazing book later).
me with wonderful hostess Amy Proctor in "The Pit" by my signature--it was really okay to write on the walls! On top of making me stay up far too late, Bill made me work soooo hard today. The first portion of the day was spent signing books for kids – what a challenging job that was! I mean, imagine talking, one-on-one, with a whole bunch of really smart, thoughtful and polite kids for about 2 hours. I barely survived. ;-) I do wish our Nubs editor, Nancy Conescu, could've been there to see kids' faces light up when I told them that was Nubs' real paw print on the cover of that book. By the time the signing was over, I was plotting a way to sneak 550 kids into my suitcase to bring home. Do you think Neil would notice? Just before my first presentation of the day, Bill's partner in literary crimes and my new shopping bud, Joyce Christman, came in bearing gifts.
She is an incredibly talented jewelry maker and she brought in four stunning necklaces for me to choose from! It was a very hard decision but thanks to some help from student Audrey who helped me narrow four irresistible choices down to two,
I selected this one which I think will go with a lot of things. This thoughtful, lovely gesture I will wear on my heart even on days I don't wear the necklace.Today, I focused on talking about nonfiction. The kids loved learning more about how Mary and I researched and wrote Two Bobbies and Nubs. I can honestly say I wish we'd had their great minds when we were coming up with questions to ask to begin our research for each of those books. These Bailey kids had some insightful suggestions! Though I had never done a two day visit in a school before, I am so glad I had this opportunity. It gave me the chance to get to know the kids a little bit and really interact with them. I had a blast doing the presentations and I think the kids enjoyed them too.
Bailey's Newbery Club Lunchtime was pizza with the crew just above – a group of dedicated readers that read books from Mock Newbery lists and lobbied for their favorites, articulately and passionately. They had strong feelings about endings and I sure learned a lot. Okay – so maybe I can't fit 550 kids into my suitcase. I bet I could squeeze these 14 kids in . . .do you think their parents would notice?Okay, I promise. I won't take any kids. But I will take with me a lovely silver shamrock paperweight and marble coaster – a gift from the PTO on behalf of the school—and even better, I take with me memories of smart, fun, kind and funny kids and their smart, fun, kind and funny teachers and parents. My heart is full as I leave Dublin behind.My next adventure is to visit Botkins Elementary in Botkins, Ohio. Wonder teacher, Michele Meyer, picked me up at Panterra in Dublin where we noshed on soup and salad and then drove 90 or so scenic miles to Sidney where I was forced to rough it at the Greatstone Castle. I do suffer so, don't I?!
My Cinderella bedStay tuned for a report about my visit to Botkins and presentation at Wright State University. . .
March 8, 2011
Neener, Neener
I am in Ohio and you are not. I am so sorry for you. Okay, so librarian Bill Prosser and his colleague in literary crimes, Joyce Christman, were waiting for me at the wrong terminal. Okay, so the zipper on my carry-on bag broke and I couldn't open it to get to my cell phone to call them. We met up mid-escalator and all was well. Okay so we went to the wrong hotel first. But I finally found my room and, bearing a box of cookies presented by Bill and Joyce, I settled in for the night.
What could be inside?
Cookies! Ohio State cookies!
Here is one thing I love about Bill Prosser: he picked me up at the hotel at 8 am this morning and drove me straight to Starbucks! Photo to follow but the man has hundreds of used Starbucks gift cards festooning his library.
I didn't tell Bill right off but I was stressed about meeting the first group of kids which ranged from pre-K to 2nd graders. I have NEVER spoken to pre-Ks before!!! Guess what: if you are going to speak to pre-Ks for the very first time, make sure they are the pre-Ks at Bailey Elementary. The first presentation was awesome!! And so was presentation 2 and presentation 3. At least from my viewpoint. Bill and the staff had thoroughly prepared the kids for my visit, down to properly intoning "Winston the Wonder Dog." (I will have to capture this magic on camera tomorrow.)
Look at how Delaney had marked up her book!The day is a bit of a blur. . .I was jet-lagged after all. But I remember looking out at rapt faces and I remember answering thoughtful questions and signing tons and tons of books. All in the inspiring setting of the Phillip Niemi Library.
This mural is wildly inspiring!
Take my advice: if you ever, ever get invited by Bill Prosser to visit his school, say yes. Yes! And I'm not saying that just because of the killer Snickerdoodles homemade by PTO parent Amy and because of the amazing dinner at Amy's house this evening. The lovely dinner to which Joyce and I arrived late because she graciously took me shopping for a replacement carry-on bag.
My new carry-on-- thank you, Joyce Christman for taking me shopping. . .
. . .to Walmart for this $12 prize with zipper that works!
I wish more than anything that every kid could be part of a community like Bailey where the staff gives their all every day while having a darned good time doing it.
Visitors from Ashland, Ohio --including (far right) Bill Prosser's big sis, Martha
Martha, me and Bill -- you missed the hilarity as we posed this pic-- I didn't realize I was supposed to be in it!
I am moved by my time here. And if you have any doubts about the power of public education to make a difference in a kid's life, just spend a day here. Lives are being changed. Future leaders are being formed. Children are being loved for exactly who they are.
Wow. What is day 2 going to bring???**
**(lunch with the Newbery Club, for one thing!)
What could be inside?
Cookies! Ohio State cookies!Here is one thing I love about Bill Prosser: he picked me up at the hotel at 8 am this morning and drove me straight to Starbucks! Photo to follow but the man has hundreds of used Starbucks gift cards festooning his library.
I didn't tell Bill right off but I was stressed about meeting the first group of kids which ranged from pre-K to 2nd graders. I have NEVER spoken to pre-Ks before!!! Guess what: if you are going to speak to pre-Ks for the very first time, make sure they are the pre-Ks at Bailey Elementary. The first presentation was awesome!! And so was presentation 2 and presentation 3. At least from my viewpoint. Bill and the staff had thoroughly prepared the kids for my visit, down to properly intoning "Winston the Wonder Dog." (I will have to capture this magic on camera tomorrow.)
Look at how Delaney had marked up her book!The day is a bit of a blur. . .I was jet-lagged after all. But I remember looking out at rapt faces and I remember answering thoughtful questions and signing tons and tons of books. All in the inspiring setting of the Phillip Niemi Library.
This mural is wildly inspiring!
Take my advice: if you ever, ever get invited by Bill Prosser to visit his school, say yes. Yes! And I'm not saying that just because of the killer Snickerdoodles homemade by PTO parent Amy and because of the amazing dinner at Amy's house this evening. The lovely dinner to which Joyce and I arrived late because she graciously took me shopping for a replacement carry-on bag.
My new carry-on-- thank you, Joyce Christman for taking me shopping. . .
. . .to Walmart for this $12 prize with zipper that works!I wish more than anything that every kid could be part of a community like Bailey where the staff gives their all every day while having a darned good time doing it.
Visitors from Ashland, Ohio --including (far right) Bill Prosser's big sis, Martha
Martha, me and Bill -- you missed the hilarity as we posed this pic-- I didn't realize I was supposed to be in it!I am moved by my time here. And if you have any doubts about the power of public education to make a difference in a kid's life, just spend a day here. Lives are being changed. Future leaders are being formed. Children are being loved for exactly who they are.
Wow. What is day 2 going to bring???**
**(lunch with the Newbery Club, for one thing!)
March 7, 2011
Hi-Ho, Ohio!
As soon as I get my suitcase zipped, I am heading for the airport for a week's worth of school visits and other events in Ohio. After a year of planning, I'll finally get to meet Bill Prosser, librarian at Mary Emma Bailey Elementary, the man behind Literate Lives (Bill warned me to brush up on my state capitals. . .I better practice on the plane) and Michele Meyer, the Botkins Elementary teacher who wrangled her last year's sixth graders into doing a entire week of events around Hattie Big Sky.
Botkins' kids opening a Kirby care package last springIt's easy to understand why I'm so excited!
March 6, 2011
WWU CLaC Wrap-Up
Those WWU folks kept me so busy I didn't have a chance to post about the conference. First, let me say I am so grateful to the conference committee for inviting my parents to the Friday afternoon reception. They had a great time and their presence gave me the chance to thank them publicly for all they've done for me. Typical of my mom: afterwards, she said she'd like to meet those two people I was talking about because they sounded very nice.
This is not how they were dressed at the reception
Saturday morning, Logen and Shirley, members of the student Dream Team, picked Chris and me up at the hotel at 7:45 (yes, AM!), lattes and scones in hand. Yum. We were given door-to-door service to the state-of-the-art WWU performing art center. Miracle of miracles: there were NO technological glitches. Hard to believe, but true.
I have died and gone to heaven.
To open the morning's events, Dr. Nancy Johnson, founder of the conference, sent her greetings via YouTube from Singapore where she is teaching for two years. I'm a little suspicious of exactly how hard she's working over there -- she looked awfully tan. Then both Chris and I were given video introductions by Bellingham public school students. My intro was courtesy of Alyssa Sachs' class, three members of which I had met the night before-- so let me give a shout out to my girls, Amy, Nicole and Zoe (there should be an umlaut but I don't know how to do that). And Alyssa did an amazing homage to The Fences Between Us, reading diary entries she'd written about being asked to introduce me. Too funny and sweet.
Me with Alyssa Sachs, uber teacher
I loved hearing Chris' presentation. He said something that really spoke to me -- that sometimes when we work and work on something, we need to go back to the emotional spark that nudged us into the project to begin with. I will confess that I was one of those skeptics who thought Arlene, Sardine was one very odd book when it came out, some 12 years or so ago. But hearing Chris' performance-piece of the story changed my mind completely. And though I've always liked Yo, Yes, I now love it after seeing Chris perform it. What a good heart and sense of humor this talented man has.
My new friend and Adrien Brody look-alike, Chris Raschka
It was great fun to greet all of the attendees -- I signed books for hours, it seems. I did note that not many writer friends were at the conference and that is too bad. But I'm glad for all the teachers, librarians, and parents who did choose to spend part of their Saturday celebrating and exploring children's books.
Note to self: mark off March 3, 2012 for next year's conference!
This is not how they were dressed at the receptionSaturday morning, Logen and Shirley, members of the student Dream Team, picked Chris and me up at the hotel at 7:45 (yes, AM!), lattes and scones in hand. Yum. We were given door-to-door service to the state-of-the-art WWU performing art center. Miracle of miracles: there were NO technological glitches. Hard to believe, but true.
I have died and gone to heaven.To open the morning's events, Dr. Nancy Johnson, founder of the conference, sent her greetings via YouTube from Singapore where she is teaching for two years. I'm a little suspicious of exactly how hard she's working over there -- she looked awfully tan. Then both Chris and I were given video introductions by Bellingham public school students. My intro was courtesy of Alyssa Sachs' class, three members of which I had met the night before-- so let me give a shout out to my girls, Amy, Nicole and Zoe (there should be an umlaut but I don't know how to do that). And Alyssa did an amazing homage to The Fences Between Us, reading diary entries she'd written about being asked to introduce me. Too funny and sweet.
Me with Alyssa Sachs, uber teacherI loved hearing Chris' presentation. He said something that really spoke to me -- that sometimes when we work and work on something, we need to go back to the emotional spark that nudged us into the project to begin with. I will confess that I was one of those skeptics who thought Arlene, Sardine was one very odd book when it came out, some 12 years or so ago. But hearing Chris' performance-piece of the story changed my mind completely. And though I've always liked Yo, Yes, I now love it after seeing Chris perform it. What a good heart and sense of humor this talented man has.
My new friend and Adrien Brody look-alike, Chris RaschkaIt was great fun to greet all of the attendees -- I signed books for hours, it seems. I did note that not many writer friends were at the conference and that is too bad. But I'm glad for all the teachers, librarians, and parents who did choose to spend part of their Saturday celebrating and exploring children's books.
Note to self: mark off March 3, 2012 for next year's conference!
