Archive for the ‘Visiting Schools’ Category

Rebecca Kai Dotlich, Poet & Teacher

Friday, December 3rd, 2010

Rebecca Kai Dotlich is “some poet,” as Charlotte might say!

My first encounter with Rebecca was several years ago. We were both speaking at an SCBWI conference in Birmingham, AL. We got to stay in the lovely home of Joan Broerman, who made sure that we were cozy and comfortable. In fact, Rebecca and I were so cozy and comfortable that we took up residence in the kitchen in our jammies and ate bagels and cream cheese for what seemed like hours. I’m sure it wasn’t that long, but the point I’m trying to make is that from the first bites of those bagels, it seemed like we had been friends our whole lives long.

Ever since then, we try our hardest to meet at kitchen tables in our jammies, at least once a year. This year, I caught her on my Flipcam. Enjoy!

Not only is Rebecca “some poet,” she’s also “some teacher”!

Here are some photos of Rebecca in action:

Her books are just like her, too: sweet, exuberant, a little sly, and always . . . kind.

For more about Bella and Bean, Illustrated by Aileen Leitjen, there’s a fantastic interview with Rebecca on Cynthia Leitich Smith’s amazing blog, Cynsations.

To me, Rebecca is “some friend”!

Calloo, callay, buckaroos!

Gotta Read–Peachland Elementary School

Friday, June 18th, 2010

You may remember that just this past May I visited Peachland Elementary School in Newhall, CA. What a wonderful school! And just to emphasize that fact, look at what they’ve done!

Go Peachland Elementary!

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!

Jaime Temairik/Wonder Woman

Sunday, May 23rd, 2010

Somebody had to get me from place to place while I was jetting about Seattle, and that somebody was Jaime Temairik–artist/writer/entrepeneur.

I could not have asked for a more professional, warm or caring escort while I was in Seattle. Jaime made sure that every detail was handled. In addition, she made sure that I had plenty to eat and drink. Yes, she introduced me to Theo’s Chocolate and…

I love Cheddar Bunnies.

She’s also a published illustrator and a dedicated blogger. While you’re surfing, check out Bound.

Jaime is the real deal!

THANKS JAIME!!!

P.S. Did she say cocoastomp?