DAVIDSON ROAD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

AUTHOR VISIT

APRIL 5/04

I don’t know if it was the fact we changed our clocks this weekend or not, but being awake since 4 a.m. would certainly make for an interesting day. Both Mom and I find we are up early on a day when we have an author visit. I’m not sure if we think we are going to sleep through the alarm or just what it is. At any rate we will never be late!

When we arrived at the school Mrs. Godkin was downstairs to greet us. It didn’t take long and we had everything set up. Soon, Mrs. Austin and Mrs. Friesen were bringing in their kindergarten and grade two class and before long we were ready to begin another author visit.

Once everyone was settled Mrs. Godkin introduced me, and enthusiastic applause followed. After sharing how I began writing years ago when I first wrote my autobiography, I then share how my children’s books are based on my life story and that they share some of my childhood experiences I had with my brother.

 Then I asked for two volunteers, Hannah and Hunter were chosen. I gave them each a copy of the book and asked them to hold it up so the other children can see the pictures as I read, this, they both did to perfection.

After the story, I asked if anyone had questions. These always vary from school to school. There was a discussion regarding the illustrations and who had done them. Questions were raised about the size of the originals verses the ones in the book, also their glossiness.

I find it’s becoming more difficult to write these authors visit reports as I follow the same routine with each visit. However, there’s always something that sets each visit apart not to mention each session.

After a short break Mrs. Rubadeau and Mrs. Berry brought in their grade one and two classes. I’m glad I thought of asking the children to hold up the books as I read the story, it’s a lot of fun. This session I had Courtney and Jared volunteer – they both did a wonderful job.

After the story and a warm round of applause I again took questions. The children concentrated on whether or not the story was true and if the rocking chair we had brought along was, in fact, the rocking chair. I had some real doubters and I had to present quite the case to prove the story is about my brother and me, and that this is in fact the rocking chair we had rescued.

So, to begin my defense I told the children my first name. Still, they didn’t believe me. It never dawned on me the children wouldn’t know my first name, as I was introduced as, Miss Kroeker. Then I told them I have a brother named Davey. Still, not convinced. During each session Mrs. Godkin was kind enough to come over and hold up the chair so the children could see the wire that had been put across the bottom to secure it when we first brought it home. Still, I had doubters.

Next, I asked the children what I could do to prove to them the story was true. One fellow said, “We could ask your Mom if it’s true.”

I turned to Mom saying to the class, “Go ahead. Ask her.”

They did, Mom answered in the affirmative and the case was closed!

Then came the high light of my day. An articulate young man said this was the coolest book he’d ever heard because it was a story about something my brother and I actualy did – making it a true story. The fact that then, I made it into a cartoon was also mentioned as being “very cool.” Coming from a grade two student I’m amazed how insightful children are these days.

Before I knew it we were winding down the third session. Where had the time gone? There were a few inquires regarding the other children’s books that were displayed. I found it interesting when someone mentioned the books looked to be different sizes. We decided since each book has a different coloured border, this accounted for that perception.

Then we talked specificity about Ricky, the Rickety Rocking Chair and the fact that it is my first published work of fiction and how much I enjoyed writing it.

All too soon Mrs. Austin and Mrs. Funk were leading their Kindergarten and grade one classes back to their classrooms.

Mrs. Godkin presented me with a wonderful school mug and a lovely card of thanks. It’s great to be appreciated! I now have a total of four mugs to add to my collection.

On our way out we experienced something that has never happened before. We were “rung out” of the school. Meaning as we were leaving, the bell rang – it didn’t occur to me that it kept ringing. While we were in the hall one of the teachers looked at me and said, “It’s just a drill.” Then it clicked – a fire drill. I remember having them when I was in school. I used to love to get out of the classroom for a few minutes while lining up well away from the school.

When we got down to the car Mrs. Godkin was there and she told us, “We are doing this just for you. We thought we’d all come out to see you off!”

With a chuckle we thanked her for her thoughtfulness. What a great ending to a great visit!

I’d like to thank all the teachers for making me feel so welcome and of course the wonderful students!! You’re a great bunch!!!

And a special thank-you to Mrs. Godkin for inviting me to share my books with everyone, it was a wonderful day!!

Until next time, read much and be well! J

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