Michele Jakubowski's Blog, page 3

Local Author Fair

I had a good time reading from my Perfectly Poppy series and signing books at the Orange Branch Library's Local Author Fair in Delaware, OH. I got to meet other local authors and hang out with these two cuties.

Which Way is Up??

The past few weeks have been a big ol' blur but in a good way. One thing you may not know about  me is when I'm not writing books and visiting schools I run a small candle company called MJaxWax.  I re-purpose bottles and turn them into cool soy wax candles. It is so much fun! As you can imagine, the holidays are my busiest time making candles for people to give as gifts so I've been very busy!

I've also been busy getting out and meeting new readers. It's been a blast!  A few weeks ago I was at the Buckeye Book Fair in Wooster, OH. This past weekend I was at the Learning Rocks! Expo in Columbus. I love getting a change to meet readers! If you have an event you'd like me to attend, or would like me to visit your school, just let me know!

I'd like to say I'll get some rest after the holidays but then I need buckle down and get to work on my new series. More information on that soon!

Friends In High Places

One of the benefits of having worked in an elementary school is having met some amazing educators! My good friend is a principal and sent me this picture of a note he received after recommending the Sidney & Sydney series to one of his students. As I begin work on my new series it is all the motivation I need!

The OELMA Conference

I attended the OELMA (Ohio Educational Library Media Association) conference this past weekend and, just as I suspected, it was a blast hanging out with a bunch of librarians! I started with my presentation, Tales of a Fourth Grade Something on Saturday morning, caught a couple of fabulous presentations by Mindy McGinnis and Chris Crutcher, and wrapped up the day with 2 hours of Author Speed Dating. 'Just what is Author Speed Dating?' you might be asking yourself. Well, it's twelve minutes sessions with small groups of conference attendees. Besides being sick of the sound of my own voice after two hours, it was great to be able to meet and chat in small groups. Thanks to everyone at this great organization for allowing me to be a part of your conference!

The Ohio School for the Deaf

I had the best time visiting the Ohio School for the Deaf last week. I was curious how it would work speaking through someone else but my Interpreter, Grace, was FABULOUS! After my presentations I signed bookmarks for the kids. With the help of Grace and other staff members I was able to communicate easily with them. I don't know who had a better time - them or me! Below are a bunch of pics taken by two of the older students for the school yearbook. Thanks to everyone at the OSD for the amazing visit! 

Hey Fellow Buckeyes!

Looking for something to do on Saturday, November 1st? I'll be signing books at the Buckeye Book Fair in Wooster, OH from 9:30 - 4. There will be 99 other Writers and Illustrators to meet and buy books from as well. Ohio Astronaut Don Thomas will be speaking at 1:30 pm and Captain Underpants Author Dav Pilkey will be speaking at 2:30 pm. Sounds like a great event - hope to see you there!

Packages

I love getting mail and am downright giddy when the UPS or FedEx truck stops in front of my house. Today the FedEx delivery person dropped off two huge boxes of books I had ordered for upcoming speaking engagements and books signings. It got me thinking - it's never too early to start planning for the holidays. If you have a reader on your list that would like a signed copy of any of my books, please let me know. I'm happy to ship them out.  Just think how happy your little reader will be to get a package in the mail!

Poppy Sails the Ocean Blue

A good friend of mine recently retired and is now fulfilling his dream of traveling around the world. His latest adventure has him on a 3-week cruise to Australia. Before he left he had me sign a set of Perfectly Poppy books to donate to the youth staff of the Carnival Legend. I think this is incredibly cool but am a little jealous that Poppy gets to travel so much more than I do! Below is the picture and note he sent.

Poppy has traveled the Pacific Ocean, crossed the equator & the international date line. Poppy and her friends are now in Sydney, Australia and her stories will be enjoyed by children as they travel the coast of Australia and the islands of the pacific!

Book Club

I was thrilled when I heard that Third Grade Mix-Up was nominated for the 2015 Nutmeg Book Award. This, coupled with the fact that I am a huge fan of book clubs, made me down right giddy when I saw this:

I so wish I could be there! Can't wait to hear all about it. 

OELMA Conference

I was thrilled to be asked to be a part of the 2014 OELMA (Ohio Educational Library Media Association) Conference! On Saturday, October 25th I will conducting a presentation called Tales of a Fourth Grade Something about how one book read by an influential teacher led me down the long and winding path towards becoming a children's book author. I will also be a part of the Speed Dating session in the afternoon (as I keep reminding my  husband - that's not what it sounds like...). I'm really looking forward to the conference!

Oh, and one more thing: the conference organizers asked me to create a video introduction. If there is one thing I like less than being photographed, it's being videotaped. I'm not going to post it here but, if you are so inclined, it shouldn't be too hard to find. ;)