Inspiration for All
Back in October I attended the Chappaqua Children's Book Festival. I have been wanting to go for years, but never worked out. When I realized I could go this year I was BEYOND excited. I went with my mom and 5 year old daughter. I brought books to be signed by authors I knew were going to be there. I was like a kid in a candy store, I couldn't contain my excitement!! I walked from author to author, searching for some of my faves... Jane Yolen, Ron Barrett, Bernard Most & Roni Schotter. Little did I know, after meeting Roni and having a conversation about a possible school visit, that she would become a friend!
Below are some pictures I took at the book festival
Ron Barrett
(Illustrator of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs)
Roni Schotter
(Author of Nothing Ever Happens on 90th street,
and many many more)
My daughter and me with Biscuit!
Jane Yolen
(Author of Owl Moon,
and many others!)
Myself and Jane Yolen
(Illustrator of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs)
(Author of Nothing Ever Happens on 90th street,
and many many more)
(Author of Owl Moon,
and many others!)
Roni Schotter Visits...
After leaving the book fair, I couldn't wait to email Roni Schotter about a possible school visit. We exchanged emails for a few days and I got the ball rolling. My principal was thrilled and excited to bring an author into the building. After many email exchanges and phone calls, Roni's visit was scheduled. Over the weeks, our bond began to form, and I couldn't wait for my co-workers and students to meet Roni.
Roni presented to our entire 4th grade, over 200 students, over two presentations. She reviewed her writing process and reiterated how long it takes to write a book... not just 30 minutes and done, like some of our students like to claim!! She explained the importance of imagination and how it helps her develop story lines. The students, and teachers alike, walked away inspired and eager to get writing. Roni met with teachers for lunch and we asked questions about what inspires her to write and what it's like from her side. She asked us about what it's like to teach writing, the new implementations of common core, and was even surprised to know that NYS used her books as one of their 4th grade mentor texts. Roni so kindly signed books for teachers and the school, with personal messages. She then signed over 200 books that the we sent home as holiday gifts. The students were thrilled to have signed copies of a book they loved from an author who inspired their new found love of writing. It was a wonderful day for all involved!!
