Kids R Authors (and Illustrators)

Every November, my school library jumps on the Picture Book Month bandwagon. I highlight gems in this genre via bulletin board and displays. Classes visiting the library are introduced to a variety of picture books, and children hopefully leave my domain with a greater appreciation of this wonderful literary form. I enthusiastically share incomparable books such as Patti Lovell’s  Molly Lou Melon stories, the Other Side of the Story fractured fairy tales, and Snow by Uri Shulevitz.

However, this year I was not content to merely promote published works. Remembering the enthusiasm generated a previous school year when students were encouraged to write and illustrate their own picture books, this librarian decided to repeat the project. I envisioned it being similar to the earlier venture, in which the participants received a certificate and a prize.

When I approached our new principal (who doubles as a first grade teacher) with the idea, she waxed enthusiastic.  After a bit of brainstorming, this wonderful educator came up with the idea of a “publishing party” for all the authors and illustrators and their classmates. In short, the entire elementary school would celebrate. So, with our cook baking dozens of cupcakes, the date was set for the big event: January 6, 2014. Each grade would visit the library on that day for a publishing party.

The whole school. Coming to the library in one day. Before I had a chance to think about the possibility of really pulling this off, I got into action. Knowing that the authors and illustrators would like to take home a memento of the event, I designed and printed certificates to give each one. After marathon sessions of cutting them out, reading the picture books the children submitted, and planning the details of each party, it was time to celebrate.

The initial class was none other than our principal’s first grade group. The kids, no doubt encouraged by their teacher, were beyond enthusiastic. I read a few of their books, the children dug into the cupcakes, and–wonder of wonders–there was actually time for them to return and borrow library books. As the happy youngsters left the library, with authors and illustrators clutching their certificates, there was no time to congratulate myself. It was recess (with its onslaught of eager readers), and the second party would commence shortly afterwards.

To my delight, the next party was as successful as the first. And the next. However, before party #3 began, a fifth grader came into the library. I had not planned on her class having a party, as there was only fifth grade picture book, and her teacher had never brought her students to the library. But here was this girl, asking what time the class should come. There was one available time slot–immediately following the next gathering. Unsure whether the fifth graders would show, I began planning as soon as the happy fourth graders departed.

It was a good thing, for history was made: this teacher’s fifth grade class visited the library. With only one picture book to share, there was an opportunity to invite the rest of the kids to become authors and illustrators. I took advantage of the presence of this group in the library, and gave students library cards so they could borrow some fantastic books. I like to think this teacher was impressed by the visit, and that she will be back.

However, there was no opportunity to celebrate the success. There was one more party. This last but not least group of partygoers turned out to be the most boisterous. When their celebration came to an end, it hit me. I actually pulled it off. Five successful parties in six hours.

Now I can rest on my laurels. At least, until the next time I come up with an idea for a schoolwide project.

Can I Be an Author?

Those of you who know me, and the many more who have become acquainted through this humble blog and my equally humble book review site (http://bookandagarden.com), recognize me as someone who is content–no, happy–to connect people with wonderful books.  When a group of young readers exits the library with exclamations like “I got the best book!” (even if they have tested the patience of even this librarian), my day is complete.  And when I learn of a new and/or noteworthy title that sounds like a must-have, I wish it were in my hands right now so I could check it out and share it with my young patrons.  So why, you ask (as do I), would I think of being anything more?

It all started when a close relative (somewhat to my surprise, I’ll admit) suddenly came on the scene with two novels that she published independently online.  She asked me to proofread them for her and write reviews, and I was naturally happy to comply.  The budding author was so impressed with my work (as much as I was with hers!) that she began asking when I would start writing my own books.  At first I shied away from the prospect, but the more she asked, the more I began to think.  I even dug up a children’s story I once began as a write-your-own-ending class project–except now it needs an ending!  And there is a little corner of the world whose cultural history fascinates me.  Perhaps there is a story there waiting to be told?  (Serendipity strikes: once I purchased for my Nook an authoritative historical work concerning the ethnic group I am most interested in–at the same time period.)

So maybe now is the time to take the plunge–or at least test the waters.  I know that I don’t take rejection and criticism well (but then does anyone?), yet I can always remind myself what I tell others about the incomparable Dr. Seuss.  After penning his first children’s book (the magnificent And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street), at least twenty-four publishers rejected it before Random House finally accepted the story.  The rest is history.  (Think how many publishers began crying in their tea.)

Please don’t start looking for me on any best-seller lists.  I’ll probably never make it there.  But it might be interesting to see my (pen?) name on the cover of a book–if even I have to publish it online myself to get it there.