A Great Day at Princeton Day School, from A Year of Reading.

A recent post from the awesome blog, A Year of Reading. 

Bev and Rebecca enjoying some lemonade before dinner!

A few weeks ago, I spent a day working with teachers atPrinceton Day Schoolin New Jersey. It was a great day put together by 3rd grade teacher, Bev Gallagher. If you don't know Bev, she is an amazing 3rd grade teacher who is also committed to quality professional development. I had met Bev several times and had heard about the work of the Princeton Day School from others who had visited. As I expected, Bev organized an amazing day for teachers. We met in a great room and had energizing learning and conversations all day. It was such a brilliant group of teachers. So much powerful discussion on so many topics connected to literacy.

One of the highs of the day was hearing Rebecca Kai Dotlich read fromBella and Bean. Bella and Bean is one of my all-time favorites. Love those girls! So, imagine how thrilled I was when I found out that I'd get to meet Rebecca during my day at PDS. Well, not only did I get to meet her, but I got to hear her presentation and we had lots of time to chat on the way to/from the airport, etc. What a thrill! To hear an author you love read a book you love, what could be better!? I am waiting patiently for the next Bella and Bean book to be published. I have hoped that these girls become their own series since the first time I read the book. Still crossing my fingers!

Rebecca reading from BELLA AND BEAN!

I was also thrilled to discover that IN THE SPIN OF THINGS: POETRY IN MOTIONhas been released in paperback. Rebecca was kind enough to share a copy of the book with me. I have a copy from long ago but its availability in paperback opens so many doors. Having several copies of this book in a room would be great for poetry reading and writing. This poetry book, if you don't know it, is a book filled with poems about ordinary things. Rebecca brings a joy to these things that only her poetry can. The rhythm and surprising word choice makes these fun for kids of all ages. If you know WHEN RIDDLES COME RUMBLING by Dotlich, this book has a similar feel to it. I am excited to know that it is out in paperback.

I feel so lucky to have spent the day at Princeton Day School with such amazing teachers. I learned so much from Bev and Rebecca. But I also learned from all of the participants of the workshop. I was lucky this summer to be part of some amazing professional development sessions across the country. To end the summer at Princeton Day School was quite a treat! 

Final Drool touches

Drool's hair was a real challenge. 

The curls had to be just right,

and still be soft.

Her arms had to be moveable for easy positioning.

Drool is ready for the show at the Brooklyn Public Library, on October 16, 2010.

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Drool update

Hi, here a quick update on the evolution of my little Drool sculpture/doll.

I painted the face and added hair, but haven't photographed that yet. Soon.

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COZBI

I happened upon Cozbi's store by accident. We were walking on Court Street in Brooklyn, on the way to our friends house when we came by a very cute storefront. It was late, but the store was still open and Cozbi was there. We met, talked and talked, and looked around a lot. Cozbi makes clothes, dolls, quilts, children's books; all of it exquisite.

If you are not in Brooklyn, make sure you visit her website. But if you are, go to the store, it's worth the trip.

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