J. W. INGLIS ELEMENTARY

RETURN AUTHOR VISIT

FEBRUARY 19^th 2004

 This was our second visit with J.W. Inglis Elementary and it was very different from our first, which happened to be our very first author visit ever! This time I wasn’t the least bit nervous. Thanks to Mr. Ian Landy I have done many well planned visits since April 31^st 2003. He helped me set the program that I still follow to this day, more or less.

This visit was also different because instead of having the librarian or a teacher read the story, it is I who read it now. Although, I do miss watching the children’s faces as they listen. However, reading ahead allows me to watch their faces at least some of time. 

Once we were set up we waited for the children to arrive. Mr. Smyth was first with his grade one/two class. While we awaited Mrs. Whiting’s grade one class we listened as the children discussed the illustrations on the table. A couple of children talked about our logo that was also displayed near the front. We overheard one child say, “That looks neat with the hands coming out of the head that way.” 

Since we didn’t have the rocking chair with us, I was hoping we’d have enough to keep their interest – looks like we did.

Today, we presented Lost & Found, the second episode in The Adventures of Davey & Kathy series. To begin with I asked how many remembered my first visit -- many did. For those that weren’t familiar with me or my books, we reviewed the first episode, The Rocking Chair Rescue.  

I was impressed with the details many children remembered. A few stated they had both books at home and that they purchased them from Super Valu, right here in Lumby.

Then, it was time to read Lost & Found.

The first time I heard one of my stories read was of course by Mr. Landy who, while reading asked the children a few questions. Taking a page from his book, as it were, I did the same thing today. As I did this, I realized that in a sense Lost & Found is a bit of a mystery in places, keeping the reader wondering what will happen next.

Without giving anything away, there is a point in the story when Kathy’s eyes grow big with surprise, I happened to notice one young man in the audience whose eyes were also growing big as I read. What can be better than reading to children and watching their faces?

The story received a great round of applause and then the questions began. Many said they liked the book. In order to save some time I asked how many liked the story, all hands went up.

Then someone mentioned that they liked the pictures. Others followed this lead so I asked again, how many like the pictures?” Again, all hands went up.

Other comments mentioned concerning the illustrations were, “I like the colour of the pictures, they are very bright” and “how did they get done?” When I told the children who had done the illustrations one young man raised his hand and told every one that Fawn Boucock is his cousin, what a small world, or is it just a town?  

One girl mentioned that she would like to have my books so I suggested she mention this to her parents. Along with a bookmark each child would also be receiving a colouring page from the story; they seemed very excited about that.

The children would also be taking home notices of “Book for Libraries” a fund raising idea that ShortHand Publishing has come up with to help raise money for local school libraries. To learn more about this program please contact us at ShortHand Publishing and we’ll be happy to give you all the details.

Soon the first group was heading out of the library and the second group were on their way in. Also joining Mrs. Rawlek’s grade two and Mrs. Kenny’s three/four class were several students from another grade three/four class.

During both sessions Mr. Landy was kind enough to take a few pictures for me. After reading the story to the second group, questions included what the children had learned from the story, this always brings many interesting answers.

We also discussed the next book, which will be out very soon and we talked at length about the publishing aspect as well. I’m only able to give very limited information about the next book and the reason for that will become clear about the second week of March. However, this was not good enough for the children, but I didn’t give too much away.

In response to one boys question I made the “tic a lock,” or however that saying goes, motion and another boy turned to his friend and said, “Great! Now she won’t tell us anything else.”

Sorry, but as I have been told, “Always leave them wanting more.” I love what I do!

Our time was drawing to an end so I closed with asking if anyone liked to colour, all but one student’s hand went up, including a teacher! I turned to Mr. Landy and asked, “Can we make sure she gets a sheet too?”

I told our non-colouring friend that we’d make sure he didn’t get a colouring sheet. However, he soon changed his mind and stated that he did like to colour, I’m sure we had an extra sheet for him.   

In Mr. Landy’s closing remarks along with thanking me for coming and sharing my stories he presented me with a hand-crafted mug, I bet he didn’t know I have a mug collection. He told me that one of their CEA’s had made it. So special thanks to Jen-moore Clayworks of Lumby.

And so another author visit has come to an end, but I will be back with the next book as requested and I will look forward to seeing you all again.

So, thanks to all the teachers, Mr. Landy and of course the wonderful students of J. W. Inglis, until next time, be well! J

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