It’s hard to believe, but 2023 is just around the corner. For all you teachers and librarians out there, I’ll be participating in World Read Aloud Day again, which is on February 1st. I’d love to connect with you and your students for a reading, or to discuss my illustration process. As usual, the wonderful Kate Messner has graciously organized us all here. I hope to see you on WRAD!
UPDATE: MY SCHEDULE FOR WRAD 2023 IS FULLY BOOKED.
Thursday was my second time participating in World Read Aloud Day. As usual, it was a whirlwind day of Skype sessions with classrooms across the USA and Canada. I read a few of my books (THE WRONG SIDE OF THE BED, YOU ARE NOT A CAT!, and A BIG SURPRISE FOR LITTLE CARD), shared some of my illustration process, and even snuck in a sneak peek at my next project.
A little peak behind the scenes.
South Windsor, CT
Talmo, GA
There's nothing like sharing books with kids. Even over the internet, their enthusiasm is contagious. I'm thrilled to share a couple of highlights of the day, especially the video above from the kindergartners (and their awesome teacher, Marci Johnstone) at the Punahou School in Honolulu, Hawaii. I almost cried! Special thanks to all the teachers and librarians who organized our day!
Honolulu, Hawaii
Derby, NY
World Read Aloud Day (WRAD) was back in February, and among the classrooms I connected with were 2nd graders from PS 30 in Brooklyn. After reading A BIG SURPRISE FOR LITTLE CARD to them, I fielded questions and talked about my art-making process. The school librarian was so enthusiastic, I suggested she share my Make-Your-Own Little Card activity with the teachers. One teacher, Ms. Marcano, took the project even further with fabulous results.
Imagine my delight to receive this adorable group of handmade LC's in the mail the other day! Each one opens up to reveal a message about what it would be like to be Little Card, or one of his card friends featured in the story. Here are some of my favorites, verbatim:
(I think she means Long Card, the birthday card, who thinks that's pretty great.)
(Wide Card, the postcard, also approves...)
I'm sure I've said it before, but the most rewarding part of this job is connecting with kids through books. Thanks PS 30 for making my month! And if you'd like to share the Little Card activity with your kids, click here.
For years, I'd heard about World Read Aloud Day (WRAD), but yesterday was the first time I fully participated. My takeaway? I can't recommend it highly enough!
The students of West Salem Elementary in West Salem, WI made this wonderful sign using art from The Wrong Side of the Bed with which to greet me!
Just like traditional, in-person school visits, we authors and illustrators connect with students through our books. With WRAD, the magic of the internet brings us into classrooms across the country that we otherwise might never get the chance to visit.
At the end of this session with kindergartners in Lapeer, MI , the teacher froze the screen so that all each student could stand up, turn around, and have a picture taken with me in the background. So sweet!
Yesterday, I spoke with a range of students from kindergarten through 2nd grade, from West Salem, Wisconsin to Roswell, Georgia. They asked all kinds of great questions about my books and what it's like to work in children's literature. They also got a peek at my work space, and illustration process.
These students in Hartwell Elementary School in Hartwell, GA had some excellent questions about how I make my illustrations.
For sure, I was a little nervous going in. Last week as a primer, teacher/librarian/blogger/all-around great guy, Matthew Winner suggested I try a Skype visit with his classroom. It was so much fun, especially with a seasoned professional like Matthew, I couldn't wait for WRAD.
Some happy faces and high fives from a class just across the river from me at P.S. 30 in Brooklyn, NY.
A few months ago, I signed up for WRAD through author Kate Messner's blog. Shortly thereafter, teachers from all over were writing to set up appointments for February 16th. My dance card quickly filled up, so I did have to turn away a few requests. Hopefully, I'll be able to connect with those classrooms next year.
The goodbyes after Skype sessions can be extensive—everyone wants their chance to be on camera. Here are some enthusiastic students signing off from Sweet Apple Elementary in Roswell, GA.
The teachers, librarians and I came up with a basic game plan four our sessions, discussing via email the books on which we would focus, and I prepared a few props to show how I make my artwork. Since it was often up to me, and because of the various age groups and opportunities for audience participation, I chose to read A Big Surprise for Little Card and The Wrong Side of the Bed for this year's WRAD.
I got even more love from the great kids at West Salem Elementary, in West Salem, WI. THANK YOU!
By the end of the day I was exhausted, but all in all it was an amazing experience. I'm very grateful to all the students, teachers, and librarians who made my first World Read Aloud Day most rewarding. Let's do it again next year!