Michele Jakubowski's Blog, page 4

Dodgeball Fans

A friend of mine teaches third grade. She sent me these pictures of two of her students 'buddy reading' Dodgeball, Drama, and Other Dilemmas. I stopped by her class today to drop off Big Dog Decisions. Can't wait to hear what they think!

When Two Series Collide

Owen, the son of one of my very best friends and the inspiration for Baby Owen in the Sidney & Sidney series, met Poppy at the Roselle library this weekend. Looks like a match made in heaven.

A Big Thank You

When I was working on Big Dog Decisions I came to the part where the kids name their dog walking business. I was having a heck of a time trying to think of a clever name that a third grader would come up with. I turned to my Facebook page and asked readers, "What would you name your dog walking business?" I received a lot of great ideas but I went with the one submitted by Addi - Happy Tails. As soon as I read it I knew that was the perfect name! To thank Addi I sent her a copy when the book was released. Thanks again, Addi!

Chapter One

My kids went back to school today so I decided it was time I finally did something about the new project I've been thinking about for the past few months. I've made notes here and there and have my general storyline down but that blank word document was still pretty daunting. I wanted to get through the first chapter without overthinking it and was able to do that for the most part. It seems that with the first chapter especially I tend to get caught up in the details when what I really need to do is get the words down on paper and then go back and re-work where necessary. Who  knows how much this first chapter will change over time but for now I'm happy I got through it!

Well, hello there!

Welcome to my new blog. I hope to be updating it often so please come back and visit soon.

Poppy’s Here!

Nothing like opening a box of Perfectly Poppy books to brighten up a mediocre Monday! I received my author copies today and could not be more excited! I’ve been working on the next four books in the series and receiving these will be a great motivation.

Poppy!

Can’t wait for you all to meet Poppy soon! All four books are available now for pre order on multiple web sites.  She’s so cute she makes me feel like Agnes in Despicable Me.

Humbled

My family and I returned late Saturday evening from a wonderfully exhausting Thanksgiving trip to the Chicagoland area.  (Side note: I know it was a wonderful trip because I had my favorite Lou Malnati’s pizza for lunch and dinner on Friday) I told myself I wasn’t going to check email or search the interwebs until Sunday but I gave in and did a little surfing. I was checking book sales on Amazon when I came across a review of Dodgeball, Drama, and Other Dilemmas that left me speechless:

To hear that I was having an impact on a reader made me giddy. I tried to find a way to contact the reviewer – I would love to send a note to her daughter to encourage her to keep reading - but there was no way to do this through Amazon. So, mom of four, if you ever stumble upon this blog post – thank you! Please feel free to reach out to me at Michele@michelejakubowski.com.

 

Some of the Perks of Working in a School

When I am not writing children’s books. or making cool candles, I’m working in my role as an elementary school secretary. The district that I work in was kind enough to buy copies of books one and two for all of their elementary schools. Some of my friends in the third grade joined me as I signed the books and we posed for a few pictures in the school library. As I’ve mentioned before, I really don’t like having my picture taken so I was glad for the moral support.

Did I mention that hanging out an elementary school every day is a great way to find inspiration and hilarious stories?

My Favorite Book Reviewer

You may remember when I posted my favorite book review of Third Grade Mix-Up. Imagine my excitement when I found out the cutest reviewer (and her adorable kitties) reviewed Dodgeball, Drama, and other Dilemmas. Thanks Christina!