NBF 2008

Jon Scieszka

It was pouring down rain when we met Jon Scieszka. He was so great--thanking US for waiting for him in the rain. Wow. I wish all the 4:00 signings were as much fun. Kadir Nelson, not so much. Hence, no picture of the pouter. (However, his new Abraham Lincoln book with Doreen Rappaport is FABULOUS!!! It was available only at the book festival!)

Tiki Barber

OK, I didn't actually get anything signed by Tiki, and I am glad. His line was crazy-long and full of kids wanting to meet their hero. I was in the line next to his, so I still got a great picture.

Alexander McCall Smith

I didn't meet Alex Smith at this book festival, either. My sister and I had met him several years ago at a book store. He was signing in the tent next to where I was standing, so again, I got a good picture.

Judith Viorst

OMG! What a delight she is!! The man in front of me in line actually had a tatoo on his leg of Alexander. He was so excited to show her, and she was thrilled (and a little scared) to see it. She signed three books for me. Then I saw her crossing the street later and took her picture. Repeat after me, "I am not a stalker; I am not a stalker!"

Jan Brett

What a great day!!! The skies threatened, but the rain did not come down on us until 3:30, just as we lined up for the last authors of the day. We were not deterred!! We spent the whole day over in the author signing area, and it was definitely worth it. The biggest coup: JAN BRETT!!! We waited over two hours in line to meet her. It was so worth it. She was so kind and wonderful and signed for hours and hours.

That's all I can write about now. There were more. Marc Brown and Judy Sierra, Joseph Bruchac, Katherine Paterson, Steven Kellogg, Andrea Davis Pinkney. It was a great day.

Listserv Stupid

So this came across one of my listservs last night: When I signed up for the **** conference I specifically asked that my e-mail address NOT be used for anything other than conference information. I guess you've already sold or shared it, because not only is my mail flooded with library stuff, but tons of other solicitations. I am extremely annoyed by this invasion of unwanted e- mail and total disregard for my request. SIGH. I know I shouldn't have. But I did. I responded: Thank you for sending this to everyone on the list. Now we know how you feel getting unwanted messages. Slightly snarky, I know. I couldn't resist.

In the groove

We've had three good weeks of school. I've made many lists. I've crossed off many to-do's. There is always more to do. This year's schedule is pretty good. I have three full (really full) days of teaching each week, and two days of flexible time. So far, I've had a bunch of classes coming in for different kinds of things. It's been fun. My favorite first grade teacher's class is studying Audrey and Don Wood, so we went to their website, so cute. A fifth grade class is buddying up to read to a different first grade class, so we brainstormed how to make good choices of books. They had some ideas that I hadn't even thought of, so that was great! This week, I am going to a workshop learning how to use our state-funded databases. I am ashamed to admint that I don't even know how to access them. This is the year to learn! The National Book Festival is coming up on Saturday, and I am simply beside myself getting ready for it. Who to meet?!?!?! The class I am teaching for a state university went well the first week. There are 17 students, all elementary or middle school teachers. Tomorrow we discuss Dictionaries and Encyclopedias and basic evaluation of reference sources. I am ready. Another busy week begins. Yawn.

First Day!

Today was the first day of the school year, and I spent about 1 hour total in the library. How sad. Most of my day was spent in the hallway bathroom, going over expectations for bathroom behavior with 1/2 of our school. Guess who gets to repeat herself tomorrow for the other half of the school?!?!?!? I miss my library.