A. S. MATHESON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
AUTHOR VISIT
APRIL 7/04
Seldom have we had two visits so close together. After checking in at the office Marcus, a student, showed us to the library where we began to set up our display. I wondered if he would be in one of our sessions.
After a brief look around Mrs. Wilson & Mrs. Friess were bringing in their excited grade one classes closely followed by Mrs. Ferreiro’s grade two class. Before I knew it I was asking for two volunteers, Annie and Jessie were selected to hold copies of the book so all could see.
After the story many great questions followed
including how I am able to write considering I have arthritis. I explained that
I use a computer and I use just two fingers to type.
Another great question was how I made my story into a book and how I got the pictures into it. I was surprised that such young students would be interested in how the book came together. Someone asked if the pages were printed in order? What a great question. We also discussed whether or not the book was sewed together.
I imagine these questions came from the fact that many of the students have written stories in class. I was told they also bind these stories to make a book for the children.
One ambitious girl asked how many books I could write at the same time. Another asked, how long I’ve been writing. The last question of the session was about which book is my favorite. I never gave that much thought before. After a moment, I gave her a quick run down why each book is special to me.
In case you are wondering, yes, Marcus was in this group of excited students.
Then, our time together had come to an end.
After a recess break, Mrs. Wright brought in her grade two/three class, followed by Mrs. Todd with her grade three class. Mrs. Salvino soon led her grade three/four students in and last but not least was Mrs. Reynolds-Wallis followed by her grade four class. It was a full house to be sure!
The contrast between the two sessions was unmistakable. These children were older and I wondered for just a moment whether the story was going to be too juvenile for them.
After being introduced I began my own introduction to my books. I soon realized my opening could be adjusted for an older audience. I can’t explain it but it was a different feeling – a good feeling.
We talked about my children’s books and when I asked if anyone would like to hear the first episode, every hand went up. Every hand also went up when I asked for volunteers. I selected Jennifer and Chan to assist me and both did a great job!
As I was reading the story the thought went through my mind again about it being too juvenile for such a mature audience. When I heard a few chuckles in all the right places I realized my concerns were unfounded.
As I read the part about wiring the chair, I noticed some people began checking the bottom of the chair. After the story concluded to a warm round of applause one of the first questions was about the wire on the chair. It was also mentioned about the difference in the colour of the chair now from the colour mentioned in the story.
One girl asked how old I was when we rescued the chair. Before reading the story I mentioned there might be a quiz later and I cautioned them to pay attention. After the question was raised I asked the group if anyone could answer it for me. A hand shot up.
A young man stated, “You were five.”
Before I could respond someone else said, “No. She was a year and a half younger than her brother.”
The first fellow quickly replied, “Right, so you were four and a half.”
“That’s right,” I said. Boy, I couldn’t put anything passed this group.
Next we discussed the illustrations and who had done
them. Today was the first time I was asked what Bob’s last name is. That was
quickly followed by, “What’s your last name?”
When someone asked about my favorite book, I was ready with my answer. From there, we talked about the other stories in the series. I mentioned episode seven was one of my favorites because it is about my Uncle Cornie. The children wanted to know more about my Uncle and why he was so special. After telling them, they couldn’t believe it. I suddenly remembered there is a picture in my autobiography of Uncle Cornie. Of course everyone wanted to see it and when I held it up it was difficult for the people in the back to see. One fellow suggestion that someone could walk around with the book. Jennifer was quick to volunteer once again, however I told her she was very kind, but maybe we could give someone else a chance to help. She readily agreed, what a wonderful girl!
I answered a few more questions and even though this session was longer than the first, it still went much too quickly. Soon, my helper was handing the book back and we were saying our good-byes. What a great group of students!
I’d like to thank everyone who participated in making this a great afternoon and one I won’t soon forget. A special thank-you to all the teachers for taking the time to bring their classes to the library for our presentation!
Until next time, read much and be well! J
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