Archive for the ‘Keeper Tour--Spring 2010’ Category

Gallery of Heroes

Saturday, May 29th, 2010

The Keeper Tour would not have been possible without the help of many people, all of whom work daily to get books into the hands of kids, and kids into the pages of books.

I’ve included many of their photos in previous entries, but here are a few more who must be thanked.

Tracy Stavang, Librarian, James Monroe Elementary, Everett, WA

Amalia Pimenta, Librarian, Mill Creek Elementary, Mill Creek, WA

Jessica, Events Coordinator, University Book Store, Seattle, WA

Nancy Palmer, Librarian, The Little School, Bellevue, WA

Kari Yadro (CRM Barnes and Noble, Lynnwwod, WA) & Deb Payne, Librarian, Everett High School, Everett, WA

Not pictured, to my overwhelming regret are Valerie Stein, Librarian at Soundview School, and Colette Christensen, Librarian for Cedar Way Elementary School. I inadvertently erased a whole set of photos–clumsy me. But even though you can’t see them here, they are not to be dismissed as integral to The Keeper Tour.

And there are two people whom I have to give enormous thanks to: Paul Chricton and Taryn Rosada, of Simon & Schuster, who continue to go above and beyond to promote me and my books. You two are the best!

Oh frabjous day!

California Schoolin’

Thursday, May 27th, 2010

While I was in Los Angeles, I had the great good fortune of visiting two wonderful schools, Peachland Avenue Elementary School, and The Willows Community School.

At Peachland I did a small writing workshop for about 30 hand-picked 3rd-6th graders.

A successful school visit requires a lot of work on the part of many people.

At Peachland, I have the wonderful Dianne White and Cheryl Phillips to thank.

Dianne White, Me, Cheryl Phillips

Dianne White is one of my former students from Vermont College, and a rising star in the world of children’s literature. Be sure to check out her wonderful blog.

At The Willows, the remarkable librarian, Cathy Leverkus, and her assistant Stephanie Vahedi jumped through hoops to make everything run smoothly. They were terrific.

Cathy, Me, Stephanie

I also want to thank Julia Pistor for her help in setting everything up at The Willows. What a sweetie!

And nothing would have gone at all, well or otherwise, without the enormous help of my media escort, Lisa Becker. She went above and beyond the call of duty.

Lisa Becker, Amazing!

Calloo Callay!

P.S. The day before I came home I wandered through Beverly Center, and found the most adorable carry-on bag from Kipling (which I have to love because Rudyard Kipling is one of my heroes). When I saw the color, I had to have it. So now, I’m ready for my next journey . . .

My new Kipling carry-on.  Ready. To. Go!

What Would Beverly See?

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010

I’m on the last leg of my journey–Los Angeles–and I’m staying in the ultra-cool Hotel Sofitel.

As if the hotel wasn’t great enough, I spied my very own son on television in the Ray Johnston Road Diaries on HDNet. People, how cool is that?

Yep! LIfe is good!

The Tribe

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010

UPDATE: The film below has been updated to include audio–sorry for the confusion. KA

I have been so lucky! All along the way of this tour, I’ve met with friends. It’s made traveling feel so much more cozy than usual, and it’s also made me realize how lucky I am to get to do what I do.

On Saturday, May 22, I joined Margaret Bechard, Susan Fletcher and Julie Larios for dinner at Laura McGhee Kvasnosky’s beautiful home. Here are a few photos:

The view from Laura's beautiful home

A small glimpse of Laura's garden

Laura's "water lilies"

The evening finished up with a spectacular fireworks display. It was nice of Laura to arrange it for me! (Kidding . . . but seriously, it was, as Keeper would say, “Cooleoleo!”)

Then on Sunday, May 23, several faculty members, alums and current students from Vermont College of Fine Arts gathered at Golden Gardens Park in Seattle for food and fun.

Like Clete said…”perfect!”

Squirrel Butter, Art, and Cubby & Binky

Monday, May 24th, 2010

It seems like it might be a crime to go to Seattle and not visit the Pike Place Fish Market, and since I have no desire to spend time behind bars, I managed to squeeze in a visit.

Squeezed visits aren’t really sufficient to do this remarkable landmark justice, but I was able to snag a few highlights, including a tap-dancing guitar-playing singer, with her banjo partner; an artist who makes my heart sing; and the cat whisperer.

Enjoy!