I was invited by my wonderful principal to share my experience on our morning announcements broadcast, and I was happy to do so! I talked about how amazing the experience was, and I brought along one of our copies of THE ADVENTURES OF BEEKLE by Dan Santat, the 2015 Caldecott Medal Winner. It was great to be able to show the students the new cover with the Caldecott Medal (which I had just affixed that very morning).
That week, I also read THE ADVENTURES OF BEEKLE to 1st -5th grade classes, wearing a crown similar to the ones the Caldecott committee wore in Chicago. I never tired of the book, and each time, saw something new. "He did the unimaginable," is my favorite line of the book because it makes me think of my own learning journey. Since I read the book aloud to classes, I purchased more copies both for the library and for gifts, and I have yet to see the book in the library for very long at all.
One particular effect of the ALA MidWinter experience: I couldn't stop talking about it.
In fact, when a group of visitors from a nearby school district dropped by the library last week, I found myself giving an impromptu presentation on the Caldecott Award and the value of picture books -- and I did not run out of words.
I read 2015 Geisel Honor Winner WAITING IS NOT EASY by Mo Willems to kindergarten, asking the classroom teacher to read either Gerald or Piggie's part. This type of team reading was a definite success, and I saw the beauty of the book even more. The night sky filled with stars is definitely a wonderful surprise to share with Gerald, Piggie!
I returned with a long list of books to read and purchase based on what I had seen at MidWinter. I read books at booths or in sessions where they were being discussed. My order list is growing!
I also can't believe I experienced a blizzard. Wow! I'm so glad I took pictures!
And because I promised myself I would write a poem about the experience, here is my draft:
Snow City
The snowflakes slide
lightly down.
Never stopping.
Through a welcome window
I watch them glide
past buttery lamplight
then lose them in piles--
too many to see.
How is it that I am here?
here in this snow city
in this place
Now?
I am a visitor --
a traveler --
a WONDERER --
standing in warmth
looking down
at the snow city
below --
marveling.
© 2015 Cynthia Alaniz
A meager attempt at poetry, but I will revise!
I am so grateful for the ALA MidWinter experience!