ALA 2016 Wrap-Up Part 2: Kate DiCamillo

I was thinking about what part of ALA I would write about in today's post, and I was having trouble finding a good place to start. But then I came across the book trailer for Raymie Nightingale, and my reaction to it gave me the inspiration I needed.



I have watched this trailer before -- several times -- but THIS time, it brought me to tears. And that surprised even me. I guess it was because I thought once more of Raymie, and Louisiana, and Beverly -- and their story. The power and beauty of it came back to me all at once. And I was most likely especially susceptible to this because of part of my time at ALA 2016.

While in Orlando, I attended a breakfast event with Kate DiCamillo (thanks to the kind folks at Candlewick for the invitation). Here, I had the opportunity to chat with Kate, and tell her how much Raymie meant to me as a reader.

Kate DiCamillo and Candlewick staff  in Orlando at ALA 2016

We heard from Kate's editor, and Candlewick staff, and then Kate spoke to us about Raymie and her recent book tour. I pretty much hung on her every word, and was really trying to remember everything she was saying. She spoke with such kindness, making us all feel like we were neighbors down the street, borrowing cups of sugar  from each other for years. A calm and lovely way to start a busy day at a busy conference. 

Kate DiCamillo spoke about books, of course, and how they do matter to kids. And she also spoke about read-alouds. She remembers a teacher (by name) reading aloud to her and her classmates every day after lunch, and how special that was. The fact that she remembers this speaks to the power of the read-aloud to create memories that young readers will carry forever. (I will share this with my teachers when I see them again in August.) 

We had the chance to ask her questions about the book, and Kate answered them with wit, grace and humor. I left the event filled with a peaceful kind of joy -- a kind of overflowing gratitude. Reflecting now, I can see it was the satisfaction in knowing that we (in the world of children's literature) have authors like Kate DiCamillo who write books like Raymie Nightingale --- books that will matter to young readers. 

And their librarians. 

ALA 2016 First Wrap-Up

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The American Library Association's Annual Conference just wrapped up in Orlando -- in the Orange County Convention Center seen below.  I think I took a pretty good photo of it!

In my long treks to and from the OCCC, I read that it was the second largest convention center in the country. I believe it! (Do you know who has the largest convention center in the United States? I've been there, too! Read below for the answer.)* 

And while the weather was unbearably hot and miserable, my payoff was seeing friends, connecting with authors, illustrators, and publishers, and of course, hearing about and reading some wonderful books! This event is always a highlight of my summer! 

And there is so much I could tell about ALA 2016! In fact, when I return from ALA Annual each year, I always need some processing time to document my learning and decide what my new knowledge will mean for me and, most importantly, the readers in my library. (It will take more than one post to cover it.) 

But I thought I would start with books! That's always a good place, isn't it? Below are pics of just some of the books I saw at the booths -- just a sampling! Many thanks to the publishers who greeted me,  answered my questions, informed me with wonderful book talks, and put books in my hands! Thanks, also, for allowing me to read display copies at the booth! I wish I had more time to visit every booth at length, but there were so many events calling for my attention! 

My to-read list is longer, and my heart is more full after #alaac16! I know this about myself: being around books makes me incredibly happy, and that's just one of the reasons why I love attending ALA Annual each year! 

*The largest convention center in North America is McCormick Place in Chicago! 

Our Blogging Journeys

This past week as I presented at Lit Camp, I spoke about my "blogging journey".  I explained how I named my blog (from my love of shoe-purchasing!) and how I was inspired to get it started by fellow #nerdybookclub members. I can remember a few of us all creating our first post, and then sharing links with one another. Such an exciting time!

As I shared my blog with others, I found that helping them get theirs started caused me to really take a good, deep look at my own.

I realized that I needed to take a look at it with fresh eyes (an examination long overdue).  This process continues, but I now realize that it should be more of a presence in my life -- and hold more importance than I place on it. I have librarian friends who also blog, and I know they tend to their sites with so much focus.  I tell others, "I have a blog." But I wonder if I truly understand the power of that.

A saying that hangs in my library office 

I also thought about this:

I thought about how my blog is like other places that I write. Or rather, how it is NOT like it. Yes, I have a writer's notebook. But a blog is different.  I designed it, named it, created it and I fill it as much as I can. I pour into it not just to express my ideas - but to share them.

Also, my blog:

• helps me take stock
• illuminates important books 

My little blog helps me reflect on books in a way that can mean something to others. 

So with this "reset" of my blog, I blog again with a renewed sense of purpose.

I guess my blog needs a summer recharge, too!

Is It Really Summer?

When I look at my school calendar, I see that summer has begun. True, it is June and the weather is HOT. The stores are filled with the usual summer must -haves: bathing suits, pool accessories, and sunscreen. Everyone is taking vacations and going to the beach. So it must be summer, right? 

Not quite for me. As I reflect here, I see my days are still filled with to-do lists and plans. 

After presenting two days of district professional development, organizing #TBR stacks, and compiling personal reading lists, I see that I am still thinking alot about books, writing, and our library (and things I hope to get done there). I know that I will need to pause at some point and take in the summer in one way or another. I am hoping that is soon! Whether my summer will consist of beach trips and ice cream cones isn't quite clear, but I am hopeful. 

As always, the sweet constant remains. Books are always -- happily --- on my mind. These are the books that have read recently, and some of these will be the subject of reviews soon. 

These books have been part of my "reading life" lately, and I am anxious to see what part they will play in my understanding of children's literature. 

And now, my to-do lists are calling! As I head off to tackle some tasks, I will be looking for signs that  I am in the middle of my own form of summer. What will that look like? I am not quite sure. But whatever its appearance, my summer will --- most assuredly -- be book-related in some wonderful, amazing way. 

Happy Summer to you!! 

WHAT THIS STORY NEEDS IS A MUNCH AND A CRUNCH by Emma Virján

Virján, Emma J. What this story needs is a much and a crunch. New York: Harper, 2016. Print. 

I really look forward to every PIG IN A WIG book. Rhymes are fun to read aloud, especially when they're paired with bright illustrations that you will want to look at again and again. This is the case with the Pig in a Wig series (all are Early Readers).  The plot is relatively zany -- and very appealing because it is often very offbeat and random.

The latest book, What This Story Needs is a Munch and a Crunch (HarperCollins, 2016) has the most tied-together story of any in the series. The book opens as Pig in a Wig works in the kitchen, prepping for a picnic. She isn't taking any shortcuts, either -- baking bread from scratch for the meal.  Turn the pages and you'll see that she's meeting friends: a rabbit and a squirrel, who both some fairly happy to join in the picnic. And why wouldn't they? Pig has brought along pies, and sandwiches (and carrots for the rabbit), and there's a kite, too (which they do fly). 

Then, in the middle of their fun, a storm breaks -- and the rest of the story is about Pig saving the day, and making it all good again.

There are rhymes, alliteration, and even a "dash" of onomatopoeia, all rolling of a reader's tongue with ease. 

On the cover, notice how both of Pig's friends are waving. Truly, there is joy in every bit of this book. And within the pages there are little bits of cleverness along the way: three bees and two ladybugs that join along in the ride, and Squirrel and Rabbit have catcher's mitts!! 

A book filled with simple delights -- a book perfect to take along with you an any picnic! 

Make sure to read all of the Pig in a Wig books! 

End-of-Year in the Library

The end-of-the-year in a school library comes just as fast -- and proceeds with as much activity -- as the beginning of it. A librarian has to be ready to serve, and the support is needed just as much in June as it was in August (only in different ways). The book returns, the summer reading flyers, the reminder to read daily everyday while out of school, the tidying up and the cleaning out -- and more. Truly, there aren't enough to-do lists you can write to keep up with everything.

As I wrapped up this myriad of tasks (inventory, repair, reorganization, etc.), I could not believe that it was truly June -- although the calendar surely claimed it. As with every year, I felt that I was just here, figuring out schedules, meeting new teachers, and getting everything spiffed up again. I say it every year, but time does indeed fly. 

And though the time has flown, there are moments that will stay with me. 

The first time kindergarten came to the library (and I wore a cape). 

The day I dressed up like Rapunzel for a kindergarten's fairy tale unit. Here is my yarn braid. 

The excitement when our new books arrived -- Always a joy! 

The fun frenzy of book fairs -- Families celebrating books! 

The countless book recommendations--I am privileged to give them--

The volunteers who helped in so many ways -- I am so grateful! 

The database lessons -- Information available to us! 

The read-alouds -- With laughter and surprise and suspense! 

The countless books! The wonderful, rich, and life-changing books -- 

I really couldn't name every special moment -- each is beautiful in its own way. Surely, my memory will fail me because there are so many -- but most definitely each one remains a part of me and the walls and shelves and empty spaces of the library. Some will come back to me when I least expect it. 

As my summer begins, I will continue to share books here. And look expectantly towards the busy beginning of another year -- and more treasured moments.

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