Tuesday, September 25, 2012

National Book Festival Part One

This past weekend was that National Book Festival held on the mall in Washington D.C.  A few of my teacher friends and I decided to venture up to see what it was all about!  Well I had a great time!




We took the Metro into D.C. and we then walked two blocks because we couldn't figure out what train to get on when we had to change trains.  It was a beautiful day so walking was fine.  This was the sight that we first saw when we got close to the mall!






My friends and I wandered around the different tents.  I made sure to stop by the Scholastic tent to visit my friend Brenda, who was working there.  But soon I realized if I wanted to get some books signed, I needed to go buy the books.  Well, let me tell you that was an experience!!  I found the books that I wanted and got in line very fast, because it was LONG!  I was starting to worry because I was trying to get to have Peter Brown to sign my books.  Luckily I was out and in line in time.  There were so many people waiting to get books signed.  At least I had some great scenery to look at while I waited. 


As I was waiting in line, I was tweeting about my experiences.  I found out that two of the ladies that I regularly tweet with where at the festival as well.  @HannahlilyS was actually in line to see Peter Brown in front of me.  After she got her book signed, she stopped by so we could chat.  @sylvie_shaffer was standing two lines over and when she was going to hear another presentation, she stopped by to chat.  It was great to finally meet these ladies in person.

I'll finish up with another post tomorrow!

Happy Reading!!

Stacey (libraryjo92)



Monday, September 24, 2012

It's Monday! What are You Reading?

It's been a bit since I've had time to do my It's Monday! What are You Reading post.  This meme was started by Sheila at Book Journey and the kids' version borrowed from the wonderful ladies at Teach Mentor Texts

This doesn't mean that I haven't been reading.  I did a bit of reading the books that I got from the National Book Festival.  So here is what I read this past week.

Creepy Carrots 
by Aaron Reynolds
illustrated by Peter Brown
Creepy Carrots!

I got to see Peter Brown at the National Book Festival and have my books signed by him.  Look for another post about the festival.  I just loved this book so much!  Great story and great illustrations.  Can't wait to share it with my kids.



Sky Color
written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

Sky Color
This is the third in the Peter Reynolds' books about being creative and trying your best.  Just love all of the books in this series!  Just today I had a student who kept saying that he couldn't draw something and I reminded him of the lessons we learned from Vashti in The Dot.  After that little reminder, my student began to try drawing the animals. (I was a little disappointed that I couldn't go back up the festival to hear and meet Peter Reynolds.)



Kel Gilligan Daredevil Stunt Show
by Michael Buckley
illustrated by Dan Santat

Kel Gilligan's Daredevil Stunt Show

When you put Michael Buckley and Dan Santat together in a book, you get a very funny book!  This is going to be a great bedtime book for students of all ages!  I had seen this book at the airport a few weeks ago, but didn't have enough room in my carry-on for it.  I was disappointed, but I was able to get autographed copy at the book festival!  Didn't get a chance to meet Michael Buckley because I was standing in the line to meet Peter Brown.


Dinosaur vs. Santa
by Bob Shea

Dinosaur vs. Santa

It seems like all of my favorites are coming out with Christmas themed books this year.  It is a cute Christmas story for those who like the Dinosaur vs. ___ series.  Though I must admit, I enjoyed Dinosaur vs. the Library a little more than this one.

Up next for me is Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage.  I'll try to get my post up earlier next week.

Happy Reading!!

Stacey (libraryjo92)

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Starting Over!

It has been a long while since I've posted.  I've had one of the busiest months that I can remember having in a long time.  I was out for two days to attend a wedding reception for a close family friend.  We had to travel up to New Hampshire, which required a lot of creative packing.  It was in the 80's the day we arrived, but dropped to the 60's by the next day.  I had a lot of fun and was glad that I went.  While I was gone my new assistant was taken out by her 70lbs dog!  Since I was out, she came to work on Monday using crutches and wearing a full leg brace.  So I had a sub for the rest week, when I came back.  

I've felt like I have just treading water, trying to keep my head above.  I've realized that I have missed blogging and I have to make time for it.  It is all about prioritizing and I haven't been doing that.  I'm starting over tonight with this post.  I've got a few that I have to write, about my QR Code Scavenger Hunt, my Dot Day Activities, and my first trip to the National Book Festival.  I promise that there will be quite a few posts very soon.

Happy Reading!!

Stacey(libraryjo92)