Arkansas Part 1

I had the most amazing visit to schools in Bentonville, Arkansas.

They chose The Fantastic Secret of Owen Jester for their One District One Book program.

Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I'll show you my visit in pictures.

My Bentonville BFF, Wendy Hannah, was my go-to gal. She drove me around, planned, worked, scheduled, etc, etc. etc. I owe a major THANK YOU to Wendy for making my time there amazing.

The lovely town square of Bentonville

The first Walmart!

In front of the awesome 21c Hotel

I walked the beautiful trail to the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

The architecture is beautiful

Such a lovely museum

One District One Book Event

Talk about a community coming together for an event!

To wrap up the city-wide One District One Book program for The Fantastic Secret of Owen Jester, the beautiful Crystal Bridges Museum hosted a party for students and their families. 

The day was filled with art and science related activities and games inspired by my book.

Photos courtesy of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

Photography by Marc F. Henning 

Things I Love Thursday

I love getting notes from teachers like this one:

Ms. O'Connor, I'm a 3rd grade teacher at __ School in Irving, Texas. This past Thursday I finished reading How to Steal a Dog to my class. I loved it and have been inspired to make a list of my own…

“How to Know Your Students Love a Book You’ve Read to Them”

1. When they check it out of the library to read it again.
2. When they beg you to keep reading at the end of each chapter.
3. When they keep making connections to it throughout the year. (“Mrs. E, I saw a homeless man and I thought of Mookie!”…)
4. When you hear students call out, “Yes! How to Steal a Dog!” when they see you pick it up.
5. When you  look in their faces and can see their emotions as you read it aloud.
6. When you hear their laughter at the funny parts.
7. When you all feel just a little sad when you read the last words aloud because you didn’t want it to end.

Thank you for a wonderful book!!

So long, y'all

Headed to Arkansas

 

Things I Love Thursday

I love that students of Apple Glen Elementary School in Bentonville, Arkansas, had Dress Like a Train Conductor Day in honor of The Fantastic Secret of Owen Jester.

Some more love from Arkansas

Bentonville, Arkansas, has been busy reading The Fantastic Secret of Owen Jester as part of their One District, One Book program.

The community and elementary schools have cooked up some super activities for readers.

Carly Edwards of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art made this great submarine photo prop for the book event.

Conrad made this awesome frog trap with his dad.

Two Things on Tuesday

Thing One

Next week, I'm heading to Bentonville, Arkansas to visit 11 schools in conjunction with their amazing One District One Book program.

This year's book is The Fantastic Secret of Owen Jester. 

To get in the spirit of things, Apple Glen Elementary School recently celebrated "Support Viola Day" to honor the character of Viola.

Here is librarian, Amanda Sleeper.

Love this!

The students at Bentonville High School are putting on a play of the book! I mean, um, WOW!

This is a poster for the play designed by high school senior Kelly Wells.

Thing Two

While cleaning out my office recently, I found this picture my son drew for me years ago. (Sniff sniff) He chose all the things that he thinks represent me. (I like "Organized.")  So perfect. (Except, um, that map is North Carolina, not South Carolina, but who cares?) Love that boy!

  

Arkansas, Here I Come

Next week, I'm heading to Bentonville, Arkansas, to visit 11 elementary schools as part of their amazing One District One Book Program.

This year's book is The Fantastic Secret of Owen Jester.

To get in the spirit, the schools have organized some great events.

Baker Elementary School dressed up in their finest railroad apparel.

Librarian Brittany Fleming (right) with her dad, one of the school counselors

These two support Viola.

Cooper Elementary had a Frog Cage Contest

One of the PTO members at Apple Glen School made a different wall display each day during the month of reading.

Amazing, huh??

More tomorrow.

Cheers for Bentonville, Arkansas

Bentonville, Arkansas has chosen The Fantastic Secret of Owen Jester for their One District, One Book program.

Here they are giving out thousands of copies to all students in grades K-4.