When I arrived in Houston on Sunday - Paula Morgan knew exactly how to make sure she picked up the right person at the airport. (I can only imagine what the other travelers at baggage claim were thinking!) Paula is the librarian at Sampson Elementary School and the woman who coordinated my 10 day/20 school Pond Scum blitz. Starting Monday (bright and early) I immediately learned that the CyFair Independent School District is a unique fantastic system of schools with librarians filled with joy and excitement, which makes an author-type feel like a million bucks. I also learned that not only was I being hosted by amazing educators - but I was mingling with Librarian Royalty because these CyFairians are none other than the BOOK DIVAS of TLA and ALA synchronized book cart fame! (I know many of you have had the pleasure of seeing them in book cart action)
I am sure the video below does not do them justice - but I have seen the official Book Divas Calendar in one or two offices - and maybe I can get one as a parting gift of my author visit! Check them out - then imagine these fantastic folks are my hosts!!!
I visit 2 schools a day and do 2 presentations at each. After 4 full days I can tell you that these kids are fantastic (mostly 4th and 5th) and so full of energy and eagerness. I'm trying some new ideas and it's all been going very well (so far) and I'm having a great time integrating my cartooning and Pond Scum in a fun, interactive talk about writing and creativity.
I've got lots more to talk about - but I have to gear up for the Red Sox's last hurrah (oh, how I've been here before).
I'll post more over the weekend and report on the great food I've been eating, some more about the Horned Toad Tales list and my dinner with my Rhinestone Reader pen-pal (tomorrow night).
6 comments:
Sounds like you're having an amazing time. I can't wait to read the further reports!
- Jay
Thanks Jay - and congrats on the official pub date! Tomorrow I plan to hit the Barnes and Noble to get me a copy!
alan
Mr. Silberberg,
You visited my daughter's school today and I'm pretty sure all I've heard her talk about since this afternoon has been Pond Scum this, Mr. Silberberg that!
I know about the time you wrote your first words about running away from home. I heard all about the time you went straight to the gift shop at the museum.
My daughter Delana happened to have on a shirt today with a crocodile on the front of it and you totally made her day by pointing it out.
In short, she thinks you're the greatest thing ever!
In all seriousness, you are obviously a talented writer but also have a special connection with the 9-11 age group. Thanks for being the highlight of her day today!
Man, if I'd known you were going to Texas I would have given you a shopping list. Sounds like you had fun.
Meanwhile, about those Red Sox...
I had assigned our friend Rich the Killer Cameraman to take out David Ortiz or Josh Beckett, but he failed. I think you and the Remarkable Marcy should come up with some sort of wager on the rest of the series.
OK, so you are here on the ground. Hopefully you are being feted with all the appropriate Texas foodstuffs. A full day of school presentations will tucker a person out.
When do you leave?
Hi Camille -
Yup - got my fills of Tex-Mex and barbecue and some good home-cooked grillin'. I have one more week here - and fly off fr home Saturday!
It's been a great week - and the feedback has been fantastic.
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