ANNE McCLYMONT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

AUTHOR VISIT

JANUARY 9^th 2004

On Monday January 5^th I called Librarian/teacher, Mrs. Loerke to confirm our visit for the 9^th. “Unless the weather changes, we’ll see you then,” I told her. Well, wouldn’t you know it, it snowed all day Tuesday. I wasn’t sure what Friday would hold, the only thing we could do was, wait and see.

It looked promising on Wednesday but then Thursday morning I awoke to more snow! And, it was still coming down. I called and spoke to Mrs. Loerke 's assistance and cancelled our visit as the weather reports did not look good. Now, we would have to reschedule. I don’t mind telling you that I was very disappointed.

By noon the sun came out and the temperature started to rise. Mom said that if it stayed like this we should go and do the shopping in Kelowna that we needed. “Well, in that case, why don’t we go and do our visit?” I asked her. She agreed.

I phoned the school back, feeling a little silly, told them “We’ll be there.” I felt as though I couldn’t make up my mind, we’re coming, we’re not coming, we’re coming. However, with the way some people drive when it snows, I will not take any chances with Mom’s or my life. So, if the snow held off, we’d be all set.

Driving on basically clear roads our travels were uneventful. Shortly after arriving at the school we were met by Mrs. Loerke who showed us to the gym. We have never done a visit in any place other than the library, however the gym was bright and even though it was a lot larger than any library, it looked like a great place for the visit.

Soon we were set up and awaiting the arrival of Mrs. Carmichael, Mrs. Dougherty and Mrs. Sparks grade one classes. The children filed in quietly and sat on the floor in front of the rocking chair in a semi circle. I love watching their faces as they get settled, their eyes dart everywhere taking everything in. As the other classes arrived there were waves and smiles of recognition for their friends.

 Once everyone was settled Mrs. Loerke instructed the children to have one last wiggle and then “show our audience manners.” The children had one more wiggle before sitting up straight with their hands in their laps. Now, they were ready for.

This visit was going to be a little different than any other to date. For the very first time I was going to be reading The Rocking Chair Rescue to the children instead of the librarian. I must admit to being a little nervous but having practiced at home I felt confident that once started, I’d be just fine. Then Mrs. Loerke introduced me and the first author visit of 2004 had begun.

I gave my usual greeting and was impressed with the affects the gym had on the children’s voices when they gave their answer, for the second time, to my question “How is everyone today?” I knew this was going to be a great visit.

After my opening comments I moved over to the rocking chair and took my place and begin to read the story. After fumbling over the first couple of sentences, I took a deep breath and started again. Maybe it was nerves or maybe it was just the fact that I had 120 eyes staring at me. Either way, a couple of blunders here and there and before I knew it the story was over to a rousing round of applause.

During all three sessions Mrs. Loerke would be taking the pictures for me. It was interesting to be on the other side of the camera, I don’t really like having my picture taken.

Following many great questions, especially about the illustrations, we did something different. I had a special treat for the children today. I usually give each child a Davey & Kathy bookmark, however these bookmarks not only had my autograph on them, there was one special one for each group.

Because it was the beginning of a new year and everyone needs a new calendar, I decided to fulfill that need, at least in a small way. I have recently learned how to make PDF’s, (Portable Document Format) so I created a Davey & Kathy calendar. I planned on sharing these with the children.

During the last few minutes of the sessions I asked the teachers to hand out the bookmarks. Once that was done I asked the children to look at the back for a special autograph, the child who had that bookmark received a Davey & Kathy 2004 Calendar! I believe it was Kennedy that won it in the first group.

As the children left the gym they lined up and filed by the original illustrations to have a closer look. What a terrific group of young people, well behaved and very appreciative.

Soon, the second group of children were heading into the gym. Mrs. Weston, Mrs. Fender and Mrs. Jaschke’s grade three classes were coming from across the street so they all had their jackets on. Getting comfy with their jackets under them we were now ready for round two.

I am always amazed at the questions the children ask. It seems they always come up with one I haven’t heard. Today one boy asked, “Why don’t you have a pinkie on your one hand?”  I couldn’t believe he had noticed.

Some of the other questions were, “How long have you had arthritis? How did you get it?” Actually there were a lot of questions that focused on the arthritis. I suppose that’s because these children were a little older and are probably more aware of it.

I’m not sure if it was during my reading of The Rocking Chair Rescue or during the question period that Vice-Principal Mr. Troy White joined us. I of course wasn’t sure who he was until he introduced himself to me after the session. I had an idea it was him as Mom had mentioned she had spoken to him earlier. He was extremely complementary and thanked me for coming to visit the school. I told him it was my pleasure but I wonder if any of the teachers know just how true that is.

It has been said that this is a small world and true to that statement Mr. White told me he knew Mr. Ian Landy, librarian/teacher at J.W. Inglis Elementary in Lumby. I told Mr. White that it had been Mr. Landy that helped me with my author visit format. I had no clue what I should do and thanks to Mr. Landy’s advice I have a well organized format.  

Another calendar was given away and before I knew it the second group of children were quietly filing past the illustrations. Now we’d have a fifteen minute recess before the third and final group of the day.

Mrs. Loerke accompanied me to the teacher’s staff room for refreshments, Mom stayed behind in the gym. The last time I had been in a teacher’s staff room was back in grade seven. We had a new student who immigrated from Poland and the better readers would take turns helping our new classmate with her reading. I suppose they had us go to the staff room so we could concentrate, I remember doing a lot of visiting and very little reading.  

It wasn’t long and the third session was under way with Ms. Pells, Mrs. Silk and Miss Lehne grade two classes. During my opening comments no one could tell me what arthritis was. I held up my hands to show the children my “cramped fingers” (as one boy put it a long time ago) and asked the question again. I guess it’s much easier when you can “see” arthritis.

I didn’t know if my voice would hold out for a third reading but there was no problem. Another great round of applause followed, then it was time for my favourite part, the questions.

I was asked several question once again that I had never been asked before. For example, “Are the names in the book true names? What are the names of your other brother and sisters? Are you really the youngest in your family?” One question that I can never seem to avoid is, “How old are you?” Because I had been asked when I started writing and how old I was when I wrote The Rocking Chair Rescue and when had I written it, the kids somewhat had my age figured out. What a smart bunch!

After confessing my age one teacher stated, “That’s not old!” No I suppose as another teacher put it, “It’s all relative.”

All too soon the last of the bookmarks were being handed out. This time Cameron won the calendar. I told the children that they could get their own calendar by simply e mailing me and asking for one. One girl asked how I was going to get it to her. I told her that I would e mail it to her. Then she wanted to know how the paper was going to go through e mail. I guess I needed to be a little clearer.

Before the last class filed by the illustrations, Mrs. Loerke presented me with a Thank-you card and beautiful pen. You know, my hand writing has improved with that pen!

It is I who would like to thank Mrs. Loerke and all the teachers, Mr. White and most of all the great students for making Mom and I feel so very welcome and appreciated. You have no idea what a joy it was to spend the afternoon with you all. Thank-you!

Until next time, be well. J

Contact Us: info@shorthandpublishing.com