Fred & Fiona Flea Author at J. Burr Elementary School Chicago

On a sunny Thursday morning, I went to my local, neighborhood public school in Bucktown Chicago. My mission: to read excerpts from Fred & Fiona Flea: The Crown Jewels Caper, talk about the writing and publishing process, and to take questions. My first class was first grade - 36 first-graders, followed by 23 second-graders.

I wasn't sure what to expect from two larger groups of school children, and I was a little nervous. Would they like the story? Would they pay attention? Would they squirm around and talk amongst themselves? 

Well, the students were fabulous!! Both groups listened so well, and seemed to really like the story. Their interest spurred me on with my reading and with the "cockney" accents I use at a certain point in the story, and the students helped me to relax immediately and have fun with it. The students asked intelligent , thoughtful questions after the reading, as well as after my talk about my own publishing experience. I was touched by some of the comments from students, such as "This is my favorite book in the world."  Music to an author's ears!

I was delighted to receive an invitation to return to school to meet the 3rd and 4th grade students, to do the same reading and writing event. Also, one week after my visit to J. Burr School I received a package in the mail. The package contained thank you cards made by the students I had met the week before. How wonderful! I have read each of the cards five times over already. They are so delightful to look at. I love the drawings the students did, and the comments they made. I feel touched that the students appreciated the book, and were happy to express their thanks.

I would like to thank teachers Ms. Dasso and Ms. Hermosillo and all of the students for giving me such a warm welcome, and giving up a large chunk of their day to meet their local author. THANKS EVERYONE!! YOU ARE THE BEST!