Michele Jakubowski's Blog, page 6

There’s Someone I’d Like You to Meet

My editor sent over some illustration samples from my new Perfectly Poppy series. I stopped squealing just long enough to post them.

 

One of the Perks of Writing for Children

One of my favorite parts of writing is hearing from young readers. I recently received a packet of letters from a third grade class in Illinois that read Third Grade Mix-Up as a class read aloud.  A lot of the kids suggested that Sydney & Sidney be turned into a movie. (I’m all for that if any movie producers are reading, by the way. I know of at least 20 kids that said they would turn up at the theater.)

Another big question was whether or not Sidney and Sydney like like each other. This sort of threw me as it was coming from third graders.  I don’t think I even thought about like liking someone until fifth grade. Kids these days.

I also received some great ideas for future books:

You are a great author and maybe in your next book you can put a famous person in there like Christina Augilera.

You should also write a second book about a new kid named Misao and that she is getting teased but then Sidney and Sydney help her out.

Maybe you could make Sidney and Sydney at recess and they meet two other BFFs name Quin and Quwin in your second book.

I just spent the better part of an afternoon writing them back. How could I not when more than half of them signed off as ‘Your Biggest Fan’? You gotta love writing for kids.

This Made My Whole Day

Dear. Ms. Jakubowski,

I just wanted to thank you for your fabulous book, Sidney and Sydney. My third grade son just finished it and he literally could not put it down. He and his twin sister have both struggled with reading due to a vision issue and both have been “below level” their entire acadamic life. Reading the required 20-30 min/night is generally a struggle, but not with your book! My son was so engaged he finished it in two nights. The characters and plot so thoroughly resonated with him and he could not wait to read more. He wants to read more so I am very glad to see the next one is coming out in July.

My daughter gets to read it next and I am hoping that she enjoys it as much as my son did!

Some Much Needed Motivation

I’m working on the new series and needed a little motivation. This was perfect.

5 Stars and Cute Kitties??

What could be better? Thanks, Christina!

 

 

Book Review – Sidney & Sydney Third Grade Mixup from JL on Vimeo.

My Version of Instagram

I’ve received some great pictures in the past week or so and I wanted to share. If you have any S&S related shots, I’d love to hear from you: michele@michelejakubowski.com.

As someone who must read before bed I especially like the comfy pjs (and the book they're reading, of course!).

 

Book One in Barnes & Noble? Woo-hoo!

 

Bread? Check. Milk? Check. New Book? Check!

 

 

Look what I found while grocery shopping at a local Kroger. Loves it!

Quiz Time!

 

 

I found these on my publisher’s web site.  I’m happy to say I’m funny and a good friend.

 

 

 

I am a Third Grade Mix-Up

A sign promoting Heritage Elementary's Literacy Night

I spoke last night at my daughter’s school for their annual Literacy Night. I quickly realized that it’s not the children I get nervous speaking in front of, it’s their parents.

I had prepared a whole spiel on publishing and my new book and had it ready to go in my green notebook. I nervously clutched that notebook the whole time but managed to never open it once. After I got going I felt good but began to panic again when I realized I was out of things to say but still had 15 minutes to go. I anxiously asked if anyone had any questions and thankfully both adults and children had fabulous questions.

Two of my favorites were: “Is your book a Newbery Award winner this year or next?” and “Where can I buy your book?” Both of these came from children and I swear I didn’t set up either one of them.

Now that I’ve got that first one under my belt bring on the Author Visits!

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