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!

Chicago Events!

December 4: Author Alison Madden will be holding a book signing event from12pm at the Angelorum Bookstore, inside St. Mary of the Angels Church, 1850 N. Hermitage Avenue, Chicago IL 60622.

December 3: Author Alison Madden will be at The Boring Store, 1331 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago for a fun Fred & Fiona Flea themed workshop with students from around Chicago's neighborhoods. For more information on this awesome not-for-profit writing and tutoring center visit: http://www.826chi.org/

November 23: Author Alison Madden will be the British School Chicago! The author will meet 125 3rd and 4th form students for a reading from Fred & Fiona Flea, questions, and a talk about the writing process. Alison, a British citizen, will feel at home at the British school - surrounded by British teachers and reading her book that is set in London. Rule Britannia!!

November 10: Author Alison Madden will be signing copies of Fred & Fiona Flea: the Crown Jewels Caper at St. Mary of the Angels book fair, 1810 N. Hermitage Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622 - from 4-7pm

September 17 : Meet author Alison Madden at Oktoberfest, St. Mary of the Angels, 1810 N. Hermitage Avenue, Chicago.

September 15 2011: Author Alison Madden will be at J. Burr Elementary School in Chicago for a literacy workshop with 1st and 2nd grade students. The author will also read excerpts from Fred & Fiona Flea: The Crown Jewels Caper, followed by Q&A.

Bucktown Arts Fest 2011 - Fred & Fiona Books on Sale

Meet author Alison Madden at the Bucktown Arts Fest, 2011. Fred & Fiona books will be available for purchase. Drop your name into the hat for a free book give-away!

Sat., Aug. 27th & Sun, Aug 28th
11am to 7pm
Senior Citizens Memorial Park,
2300 N. Oakley/2300 W. Lyndale
Chicago

Website

Hello friends of Fred and Fiona Flea! Please check out our website: http://www.fredandfionaflea.com/

Thank you for your interest and support.

Travel, adventure, culture, history, geography - it's all here!!

Fred & Fiona Flea: The Crown Jewels Caper is a great new adventure book for independent young readers. It was released 2nd August 2011, and is available everywhere fine books are sold. Pick up a copy today for your child! Visit our website: http://www.fredandfionaflea.com/. Scroll to the bottom left of the page and click on the link to buy a copy.

Fred & Fiona Flea at Beech Grove Public Library

Thank you to Mr. Andrew Davis from the Beech Grove Public Library (IN) for hosting us on 18th July 2011 for a FRED & Fiona Event. Thank you to everyone who came - we had a great time!

Fred & Fiona Flea: The Crown Jewels Caper is out in paperback!

The book was released August 2, 2011, and will be available everywhere fine books are sold. Here is a link to the publisher's website. Order your copy today!!

http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-61777-215-3