Poetry, poetry, poetry …

What fun I had today with Heidi Swanson’s fabulous second graders at West Valley Elementary – poets in their own right – as well as future writers, illustrators and scientists.

Building on Ms. Swanson’s curriculum, we talked about some of the tools poets use – simile, metaphor, alliteration, assonance, puns, and rhythm – to craft a poem and make your words sing. What a delightful group of young learners – watch out for this bunch. They’re going places!

What a bright, well-behaved class!

Who SAYS poetry is stuffy? There’s something about it that brings out the sillies ….

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Thank you for coming to my first book’s birthday party!

Thank you for coming to the Barnes & Noble book launch of Around the World on Eighty Legs. It was my first book’s birthday party – and what a warm welcome you gave it! I was touched to see friends old and brand new from every corner of my life – friends, family, neighbors, teaching colleagues, my own children’s talented teachers, fellow authors, even former students! How very special to share this first book moment with all of you.

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Book Launch!

Please join me at Barnes & Noble for the launch of Around the World on Eighty Legs at 1:00 pm on Sunday, March 27, 2011.

Barnes and Noble
3600 Stevens Creek Boulevard
San Jose, CA  95117
(408) 984-3495
Sunday, March 27, 2011
1:00 p.m.

I’ll read a few poems, introduce a few animal friends and sign books. Hope you can join me for this special moment – long in the making – worth every minute of the wait.

I’d love to share it with you.

Amy

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School Visit

I was delighted to be part of NEA’s Read Across America today at Bracher Elementary School in Santa Clara, CA. Teacher extraordinaire Deanna Watts invited me to share my brand-new book with the K-2 and 3-5 students there. It was so brand new, the actual book hadn’t arrived yet. I brought the F&Gs (folded & gathered copy) and went home to find my first bound copy in the mail!

What an honor to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday and my book’s birthday at the same time. And what a treat for me to meet the bright students (and fabulous listeners) at Bracher. They were engaged, respectful and delightful. The talented, dedicated Bracher staff are doing so much right.

Now why didn’t I bring my hat?

Mrs. Watts’ 3rd graders – ready to change the world!

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