All This and a Medal Too? The 45th Annual Local Authors Exhibit

On Friday night I attended a reception for the 45th Annual Local Authors Exhibit sponsored by the San Diego Public Library. The purpose of the exhibit is to nurture writers, foster the pursuit of the writing arts and to create a great opportunity for the recognition of San Diego literary talents.

My Super Blog Buddy Sarah had attended this event the year her picture book “Red, White, and Blue Goodbye” was released so I had some idea of what to expect and rumor had it we would receive a medal.

The Lunch Thief by Anne C. Bromley

I was impressed by the diversity of books displayed. There were over 250 books ranging from simple self-published guide books to well known best sellers. I also recognized some books we have featured here on Writing on the Sidewalk.

I So Don’t Do Spooky by Barrie Summy

They had lovely harp music, champagne, coffee, hors d’oeuvres and yes, we did receive medals. I even met up with fellow author and San Diego SCBWI member Anne Bromley.

Notice we are wearing our medals

The Local Authors Book Exhibit runs the entire month of February, located in the lobby of the Central Library, just in case you are in the area and want to stop by.

Grandma’s Pear Tree

Happy Reading,

Suzanne Santillan

Writing on the Sidewalk

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Congratulations!

Thank you to all the enthusiastic participants for our Author Spotlight and Book Giveaway from James Burks! Even though it’s a bit backwards to have the birthday boy giving presents, that’s the way this contest rolls…

According to random.org generator…

Congratulations to Margo Dill, the winner of your very own signed copy of Gabby and Gator! Now everyone else rush out and buy your own!

Thanks again to James and to everyone who stopped by and wrote on the sidewalk.

Sarah Wones Tomp

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Author Spotlight- Edith Hope Fine

Today it is my great pleasure to feature Edith Hope Fine! I met Edith through the San Diego chapter of SCBWI. She is warm, funny, and a natural born teacher – she has this uncanny way of making me want to be better…. a better writer, but also an all-around better person. I guess you could say she makes me want to grow!

Her latest book, Water, Weed, and Wait is the result of a collaboration with another local author, Angela Demos Halpin.

Edith’s bio:

Edith Hope Fine is a teacher-turned-writer, with numerous magazine and newspaper credits. Her award-winning books include science, grammar, picture books. Titles include Water, Weed, and Wait, Under the Lemon Moon, CryptoMania! Teleporting into Greek and Latin with the CryptoKids, Armando and the Blue Tarp School, and the Nitty-Gritty Grammar books. She’s also written biographies of Gary Paulsen, Barbara McClintock, Martin Luther King Jr., and Rosa Parks, science curriculum, and Can-Do Cursive, a handwriting workbook for students covering grammar, Greek and Latin roots, and writing.

Edith lives near San Diego and is lucky enough to have her four grandkids close by. She’s active in the San Diego Chapter of SCBWI, a book group, and a critique group. Veggies grow happily in the front yard, but raccoons have (temporarily?) put an end to her trench composting. Her website is www.edithfine.com.

Author Spotlight – Edith Hope Fine

WOTS: WHAT WAS THE SEED OF INSPIRATION FOR WATER, WEED AND WAIT?

EHF: Angela Halpin and I belong to the same book group and she started the garden at her three sons’ school in San Diego. When a San Diego Master Gardener told us that teachers needed a book to read to their kiddos about building a school garden, the idea sprouted.

WOTS: HOW DID THIS STORY GROW? FOR INSTANCE, COULD YOU SHARE YOUR PROCESS FOR COLLABORATION?

EHF: Like all writers, we checked to see what was out there about school gardening. The answer: zero. Voila! There was that hole on library, school, and home bookshelves that writers seek.

We’d meet for delicious editing sessions at the Pannikin in Del Mar, passing the manuscript back and forth on the big wood bench outside BookWorks, so all the loose words running around inside could come out to play.

A collaboration bonus—our Tricycle editor sent us a sampling artists’ online portfolios for our input. What a privilege. We love Colleen Madden’s whimsical style and the sorbet-hued palette she chose, a perfect fit for our light-hearted, can-do take on school gardening. (www.greenfrographics.com)

WOTS: WERE THERE ANY WEEDS OR OTHER PROBLEMS ALONG THE WAY TO PUBLICATION FOR THIS BOOK?

EHF: Knowing how the word “underwear” makes kids giggle, we first used “Mr. Grumpy Drawers” as we searched for a name for Pepper Lane Elementary’s grouchy neighbor. But kids today only equate “drawers” with places for shirts or silverware (or underwear!). We renamed this central character “Mr. Barkley,” nicknamed “Mr. Barks-a-lot” by the kids.

For me, tracking changes online with our editor was a prickly process. Sometimes there’d be seventeen blobs attached to one sentence or phrase and I wanted to reach for the weed killer! A slight exaggeration, but you get the idea. I still prefer to edit by hand. There’s something about holding that pen . . .

At first, we wrote far more detailed information on school gardens for the back of the book, but soon realized that soil conditions, temperature, school size, number of volunteers, and many other factors differ so widely nationwide that it was crazy (impossible) to cover it all in a picture book. Plus great info and resources for school gardens are easy to find online. We did include web sites and you can see Before and After photos from Angela’s school. Look for Master Gardener groups—these enthusiastic gardeners do consulting for schools. A great way to get started. (www.mastergardenerssandiego.org)

As always, getting from idea to holding a finished book in your hands takes longer than one thinks humanly possible. You pull one weed and another one pops up. Reading the manuscript aloud was the key to hoeing out the extraneous words and keeping those word furrows straight.

The hardest news came in November when our lovely editor called to say that Random House was closing Tricycle Press. RH will keep the Tricycle books on their backlist, like my CryptoMania: Teleporting into Greek and Latin with the CryptoKids and our Water, Weed, and Wait, but fans of the remarkable Tricycle team are pained to see this quirky, high quality, daring children’s imprint vanish from the scene.

WOTS: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF WRITING?

EHF: I love the moment when I feel that shivery frisson, knowing that an idea is unique, and fresh and just waiting for me.

Visiting schools is fun. Both of us come from teaching backgrounds. Angela was a natural at her first-ever school presentation. We’ve been startled at how little the kids we’ve met seem to know about how things grow. Few youngsters could tell a lima bean seed from a radish seed. The obvious exception is at schools with active school gardens.

As a friend says, “Today’s kids live so far off the ground . . .” with computers, Wii, and an increasingly techie and potentially isolating world. Like Michelle Obama and other leaders in the school garden movement, we want to see students outside, getting their fingers dirty.

On one school visit, I showed a PPT slide of a red potato with eyes that had grown out. I walked the aisle with this potato and they kept asking, “How did you DO that?” meaning how did we make the potato grow eyes? Neglect in a cool, dry place! Just cut said potato into pieces and plant. There’s nothing like new potatoes from your yard for dinner.

The funniest thing that’s happened with Water, Weed, and Wait was at the launch at San Diego Botanic Garden in September. When Angela read the part about Mr. Barkley’s head popping over the playground fence so he see what all the noise is on clean-up day, she looked out at all the kids gathered for the story and said, “Show me your grumpy eyebrows.” A total hoot. Where was our camera?! We’ve used that line every time since.

I must also add my fellow critiquers. Our subjects vary widely, but to be with other logophiles who can offer, specific insight and support is incredibly valuable. The mysterious chemistry works. And I’m active in our San Diego Chapter of SCBWI, another reliable source for inspiration.

WOTS: WHAT MAKES YOU PROCRASTINATE?

EHF: What doesn’t? I’m much better off, workwise, on tight-schedule days than loose days. If I didn’t create fake deadlines for myself, playing with grandkids or reading or walking or making soups or or swimming or Sudokus or even laundry can take over. Angela teaches full-time so she gets extra kudos for squeezing out the moments to co-produce Water, Weed, and Wait, her first book.

WOTS: DESCRIBE YOUR WORK SPACE FOR US.

EHF: I had to laugh reading Anne Mazer’s WOTS interview, because my office matched her description. But this November I decided to give myself a Christmas present and really worked hard to toss old papers, duplicates, irrelevant materials, long-published manuscripts, grocery lists, coupons from 2004 . . . So now I could actually Skype with classes from here without being totally embarrassed. A friend, spying the change, asked sweetly, “Were these counters always here?”

WOTS: ARE YOU WORKING ON ANY NEW PROJECTS THAT YOU CAN TELL US ABOUT?

EHF: In my writing file I have five manuscripts on the front burner and about twenty-one simmering on the back burner. Some queries are out, but even though I’ve written fifteen books, it can still feel like starting from scratch when trying to sell a new piece. I’m quietly working on an adult novel, too. It hasn’t told me where it’s going yet—I’m waiting in hope while it percolates.

WOTS: WHAT’S ONE THING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?

EHF: Like our fictional characters, we all have secrets. Most of mine will remain mine, but not too many people know I’ll try to root any plant from seeds, bulbs, cuttings, leaves (try coleus), a la my college botany class. Three-toothpicks in a sweet potato, peanut butter jar, water? I grow them, then plant in the yard. A pineapple top! Sure—and it’s now big with long spikey leaves. I’ve got blueberries, lemons, arugula, and a bunch of volunteer Sweet 100 tomatoes pop up each year.

I still find the most extraordinary cloud shapes. And when I go to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, I can spread my arms out and almost match that ape arm display!

There's Edith peeking out from the back - and with the longest arms!

EHF: That’s getting to the root of our new book, eh? Hope you’ll get out there with your favorite kids and water, weed, and wait.

Thank you to Edith for this peek into the creation of Water, Weed, and Wait, a truly charming book that makes a fantastic read-aloud. This book is the perfect gift for an aspiring gardener – and for every teacher.  And be sure to read her other books as well. Her picture books are truly written for children, but can help their grown-ups grow as well.

Sarah Wones Tomp

Writing on the Sidewalk

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Post It Procrastination Prevention

It’s the simple things…

I saw this article, “If It Won’t Fit on a Post-It, It Won’t Fit in Your Day” awhile ago… being a chronic list-maker, I was intrigued.

The idea is simple:  if your daily to-do list is longer than a Post-It’s worth then it is more of a wish list.

It’s working for me! It is even helping me plan my week. I’ve been consistently using it for my daily to-do sort of things, but I’ve also used it somewhat for writing. Although, generally, I have to write bigger on my writing post-its or it still falls into that wish-list sort of size and I get frustrated that I didn’t get it all done.

Fellow procrastinators, need to get it done? Postacize!

Unless you get side-tracked…

Sarah Wones Tomp

WRITING ON THE SIDEWALK

 

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Pippin Properties On WriteOnCon: Tonight!

A friend sent me a link to WriteOnCon – just in time for tonight’s Live Chat with Pippin Properties Literary Agents. Here’s what I heard:

Holly McGhee, Elena Mechlin, and Joan Slattery of Pippin Properties, Inc. will be joining WriteOnCon to discuss query writing do’s and dont’s and what they’re looking for!

When: Monday, January 24th, 2011 at 5:00 PM EST

Where: http://writeoncon.com/

Pippin Properties, Inc. represents some amazing talent – they must know what they’re talking about!

Even if you can’t “attend”, be sure to check out WriteOnCon – such an interesting idea – a free online conference to be held in August. From their website:

Attendees don’t need to take time off work, travel, or spend a truckload of money. They can enjoy the conference from the convenience of their own homes, for free—and the schedule is designed around working hours. (Transcripts are also available of the entire conference, should anyone have to miss part of it.) And everything for the conference takes place within this website, which means everyone with basic Internet access will be able to participate in all aspects of the conference—no additional software or technology required.

During the conference, keynote addresses, agent panels, and lectures are presented as blogs, vlogs, moderated chats, webinars, podcasts, and livestreaming. There is also a critique forum, where participants can post query letters and writing samples to receive helpful feedback and comments from their peers and industry professionals. And, as if that weren’t exciting enough, there are also daily contests, giving random winners everything from books to personalized critiques from agents.

Sounds like a super-cool concept!

Sarah Wones Tomp

WRITING ON THE SIDEWALK

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The Signing Dilemma

One of my biggest fears when signing books is making a mistake or misspelling the recipients name. I try to take precautions and have them write the name on a post-it note. I even mentally spell out the name before putting pen to paper. I also try to take it slowly so that I am not rushed. Unfortunately mistakes happen.

At a recent San Diego SCBWI meeting veteran author Edith Hope Fine stated “I have two copies of “Under the Lemon Moon” one made out to Emily and one to Samantha. So if you are an Emily or a Samantha, I have some books for you.”

This comment not only brought a collective chuckle to the room but reminded us all that even veteran authors are human too.

So following Edith’s example I’d like to say that I have a copy of “Grandma’s Pear Tree” made out to “Juliama,” so if any of you know a “Juliama” tell her I have her book.

Suzanne Santillan

Writing on the Sidewalk

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Author Spotlight and Book Giveaway- James Burks

Our newest author spotlight is James Burks. James has written and illustrated Gabby and Gator a graphic novel for children. It also happens to be his birthday today so we wish him a very happy birthday.

Here is a brief bio:

James Burks works in storyboarding for TV animation and has worked in feature animation on movies including The Emperor’s New Groove, Atlantis, Treasure Planet and The Iron Giant. His first graphic novel for kids, GABBY AND GATOR, was published by Yen Press and is a Junior Library Guild selection. James also has an upcoming picture book with Lerner/Carolrhoda entitled BEEP AND BAH, a new graphic novel with Scholastic/Graphix, and will be illustrating a picture book for Simon & Schuster/Aladdin. James is represented by Kelly Sonnack at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency.

James Burks Author Spotlight:

WOTS: What was your road to publication?

JB: My road to publication started at Disney Feature Animation back when they were still doing hand drawn features. I spent my days working as an assistant animator and at night, as an outlet for my creativity, I started drawing an online comic strip about a magician and his talking rabbit called, Martin’s Misdirection.

I drew Martin’s Misdirection for about five years, putting a new strip up once or twice a week on my website. Every year I would take the strips I had finished and self publish them into a 32 page comic book that I would sell at the San Diego Comic Con.  I think I sold maybe a hundred books a year, it wasn’t that much, but it was enough to cover my costs.

After about five years I decided to end Martin’s Misdirection and try something else. That something else ended up being a minimal word, 48 page book called, The Adventures of Gabby and Gator. The book was super simple, just a series of rough sketches about this little girl who befriends an alligator. I had a 100 copies printed at Lulu and I took them with me on my annual pilgrimage to the San Diego Comic Con. The book was well received.  Everyone seemed to like it, including a literary agent by the name of Kelly Sonnack. She thought the book had great potential and asked if I would be interested in trying to get it published. I said sure.

I worked with Kelly for about six months revising and expanding the story, before it was ready to be sent out to publishers. This was inevitably followed by a handful of rejections before eventually getting an offer from Yen Press (an imprint of Hachette Book Group). I spent the next eighteen months finishing Gabby and Gator and it was released in September 2010.

WOTS: Can you tell me a bit about your writing process? Do you plot or not?

JB: My writing process has evolved over time. When I did Gabby and Gator, I wrote the story as I drew the book. This really wasn’t a very efficient way of working and resulted in hundreds of drawings being cut from the book. Now, to save time and do less drawing, I try to outline the story first. Once I have the story structure worked out, then I’ll start drawing and writing the dialogue. If I come with better ideas as I’m drawing or if something isn’t working visually, I’ll make changes.

WOTS: Are you working on any new projects that you can tell us about?

JB: I just recently finished my first picture book that I wrote and illustrated for Lerner/Carolrhoda entitled BEEP AND BAH, due out in 2012. It’s about a goat and a robot who go on an adventure to find a missing sock. I’m currently working on my next graphic novel for Scholastic/Graphix entitled ACORNS TO OAKS, also due out in 2012. It’s about a neurotic squirrel and a free-spirited bird who are forced to journey south together for the winter.  I’m also getting ready to start illustrating Tara Lazar’s debut picture book for Simon & Schuster entitled THE MONSTORE, due sometime in 2013.

WOTS: Describe your studio or usual work space for us.

JB: Currently my workspace is the dining room table. My wife recently picked up some freelance animation work and booted me out of my studio. Usually, my workspace is a small room upstairs. I have an old Warner Brothers Animation desk (that my wife is currently using) that I used to animate on, but now it lays flat, and holds my computer. I tend to do most of my work digitally using a Wacom Cintiq monitor. This allows me to draw right on the screen with a stylus. I have three book shelves loaded with books that I can go to for inspiration if needed. Sometimes, for a change of scenery and to get away from the computer, I’ll go work at Starbucks where I can drink lots of coffee and write/sketch out ideas in my sketchbook.

WOTS: What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

JB: I’m not sure if this is a profession per say, but I’d want to be one of those people that stay at the campground all season in the big RV. I think they are supposed to be the host or camp greeter. If that doesn’t count, then I’d like to own my own bed and breakfast like on Newhart.

WOTS: What’s one thing that most people don’t know about you?

JB: Most people probably don’t know that I used to play the saxophone in junior high. Oh, and I’m also a magician, although, I’m a bit rusty due to being too busy. I hope to get back into it one day. My kids are the only ones that get to see it these days, you be amazed at the things I’ve pulled out of their ears.

WOTS: What was your inspiration for the story Gabby and Gator?

JB: Gabby and Gator started with a sketch I did of a goofy looking alligator with a plaid pattern. From there I just started to fill in the missing pieces. First, I gave him a friend, an odd little girl named Gabby, who was all about the environment and recycling. Then, I just started drawing them having fun together, and eventually a larger story began to take shape. I took these initial drawings and self published them into a little 48 page, 8” square book, with a single illustration on each page.  I took that down to the San Diego Comic Con where I ended up finding my literary agent and things took off from there.

WOTS: Based on your previous animation experience was it easier or more difficult to adjust to the graphic novel format?

JB: I’d say mostly easier. Doing storyboards for TV and drawing graphic novels are almost the same thing. They’re both telling stories with pictures. The hardest thing for me coming from animation into graphic novels is editing the amount of drawings and poses I can use to describe an action. In an animated storyboard I can have an infinite amount of panels to show an action, where in graphic novels, I have to get my point across with as few panels as possible. Otherwise, the book ends up being way too long. I usually end up having to go back through my stories and edit things down. The one thing I love about doing graphic novels is that it’s like making a movie but in book format. It’s great because you get to do everything; You get to be the screenwriter, the actors, the director, and even the caterer (Mmmm, tacos!).

WOTS: We here at Writing on the Sidewalk tend to procrastinate with our writing, where do you fit in Procrastinator or Proactive?

JB: I tend to do my fair share of procrastination at the beginning of a book project. It’s hard for me sometimes to make myself sit down in front of the computer and work, but once I do, then I can’t stop.

Thanks for visiting with us James. You can find out more about James and his upcoming books on his website at: jamesburks.com.

As a special treat, birthday boy James has agreed to give an autographed copy of “Gabby and Gator” to one of our followers. Simply leave James a birthday wish in our comments section in the next week and we will select a winner at random. Remember you need to make your post before January 27th, the winner will be announced on January 28th.

Suzanne Santillan

Writing on the Sidewalk

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Book Thoughts: I’m Not by Pam Smallcomb

I recently ran across “I’m Not” (Schwatrz and Wade, 2010) at a local bookstore. Written by Pam Smallcomb and illustrated by Robert Weinstock “I’m Not” is a fun, quirky, touching look at friendship.

Here is a description of the book from the publisher:

Evelyn is lots of things. Circus performer. Antarctic explorer. I’m not.

Here is the perfect book for children who feel like their outgoing friend is oh-so-talented . . . and they’re not. Our shy narrator lists all the things that her best friend, Evelyn, is good at—from jumping on the bed to roller skating really fast. Luckily, Evelyn points out what makes her so special: she’s a one-of-a-kind true blue best friend. Robert Weinstock’s hilarious illustrations wonderfully complement Pam Smallcomb’s simple text, perfect for young children. This sweet depiction of friendship shows—in a completely fresh, original way—that everyone is special.

Here are my book thoughts:

I loved this story.

The illustrations are fun and fit well with the text. They have been described as reminiscent to James Marshall and I would agree.

The text is quick moving and doesn’t resort to cliches to share an important message.

This would be great to use as a read aloud in lower grade classrooms to help teach the importance of friendship and individuality.

I was so impressed by this book I plan to do an author spotlight on Pam Smallcomb. Be sure to keep an eye out for it next month.

Suzanne Santillan

Writing on the Sidewalk

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The First School Author Visit- Part II Handy Tips and Tricks

Yesterday I shared the week prior to my first author visit (click here if you would like to read The Good, The Bad and The Ugly). Today I would like to share my own tips and tricks for a successful school visit. Please note these are my own ideas and there are great sites out there that can give you fantastic ideas such as schoolvisitexperts.com.

1. Have a Theme-

I chose to talk about teamwork. I tied it into working together both at school and at home. You can look at the list of standards for the grades that you are addressing and try to include those in your presentation as well.

2. Bring Props-

This makes the presentation more interesting especially when dealing with larger groups. Be sure to make them large enough for everyone to see.

3. Student Volunteers-

Students will be more engaged in your presentation if they see their fellow students up there participating. I made sure that I had a student from each of the classes I was presenting to so that no class felt left out. You can even ask the teacher to select a student, they have a better idea of which of their students will do better in front a large group.

4. Allow time to answer questions-

I found it worked better to ask the student to come up to the front to ask the question it is easier for the other students and the author to hear. I also plan to use a tip from schoolvisitexperts.com next time and have pre-printed question cards that the students can select out of a basket. Since I am addressing younger students (K-2nd grade) they get excited to raise their hand but tend to forget the question. I am hoping this will help solve that issue. I am going to write them on cards shaped like pears and let the child keep the question as a souvenir.

5. Be Prepared

Each visit is different try to speak with the person in charge to find out what their expectations are. If you require special equipment make sure to request it before the presentation, this makes it easier to set up and the custodian will thank you.

6. Pre-sell the Book Prior to the event

It is much easier to sign the books ahead of time and arrive with them ready to go rather than trying to handle sales and signings at the school. I work with Readers Inc. a local bookseller who helps handle the pre-sales and they do a great job. Be sure to bring extras for those who forgot to order ahead of time or teachers who decide they want to order after the presentation.

7. Have Fun

School visits can be unpredictable and every one is a little bit different, so go with the flow and have fun.

Happy Writing,

Suzanne Santillan

Writing on the Sidewalk

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The First School Author Visit- The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly Part 1

I recently volunteered to share my book with my niece’s school. As a new author this was a great way to get my foot in the door and get the opportunity to share my story. Since my book is titled “Grandma’s Pear Tree” we thought it would be great to coordinate the event with the schools Grandparent’s Day on January 7th.

My next post will include some valuable tips and tricks, but for today’s post I wanted to share how I prepared for my very first school visit:

8 Days Before Event-

• Return home from mountains with abscessed tooth and raging sinus infection. (Author’s note- This does not help you prepare for a school visit but will affect the rest of the week.)
• Schedule emergency visit to the dentist.
• Fill prescription for pain killers and antibiotic.
• Notice side effects for medication include “Black ‘Hairy’ Tongue”
• Try to think of a way to incorporate “Black ‘Hairy’ Tongue” in presentation (just in case)

7 Days Before Event-

• Schedule emergency root canal. (Author’s note- This does not help you prepare for a school visit but is very important to the authors comfort. )
• Review material for presentation.
• Tongue still pink (this is a good thing because I couldn’t find a way to incorporate “BHT” into my presentation…too bad I didn’t write a monster book.)

6 Days Before Event-

• Holiday weekend tooth still hurting, sinuses still raging no preparation completed
• Tongue still pink

5 Days Before Event-

• ( See above)

4 Days Before Event-

• Contact school to verify event details; time, number of students, location etc… (Author’s note- This should have been done sooner but the holiday schedule made it impossible to check before now.)
• Call book store to verify book orders are complete and  arrange time for pick up.
• Frantically decide to create coloring page to hand out to students.
• Begin coloring page art
• Tongue status- pink

3 Days Before Event-

• Root Canal- (Author’s note- Once again I must state that this is not recommended preparation for a school visit but very necessary for the author’s comfort… if you can call root canals comfortable)
• Work on coloring page art
• Tongue status- pink

2 Day Before Event-

• Pick up Super Blog Buddy and head over to book store to pick up books for event
• Review material for presentation
• Ditch color page idea (Author’s note- It isn’t a good idea to try to make a coloring page after a root canal, maybe next time)
• Sign books
• Tongue status- pink

1 Day Before Event-

• Take younger son to school and arrange for older son to pick up
• Pack car making sure to include; clothes, books, props for presentation and medication
• Tongue status- pink

Day of Event-

• Wake up a dawn
• Many trips to the bathroom (nervous bladder)
• Does my tongue look gray? Is that a hair?
• I forgot my shoes, I’ll have to wear my tennis shoes
• Oh no I forgot the ball!

“Good Morning children my name is Suzanne Santillan and this is my book “Grandma’s Pear Tree…”

In the end, the event was big success. The children and staff were wonderful and there is something special about a room full of children and adults yelling “Aye Caramba” together. My tongue never turned black or hairy and while I am still fighting the sinus infection I am hoping that I will be over that soon. I might even try to finish that coloring page, I have another school visit scheduled next month.

I would like to extend my very special thanks to the students at St. Francis school for making my first school visit such a wonderful event.

Suzanne Santillan

Writing on the Sidewalk

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