I didn’t travel too far today to visit a bunch of great kids. First, I spent the morning at Hajek Elementary—home of the Hawks! I performed two morning shows in Hajek’s huge library in front of two lively groups of kids. We all had a fun time and the Hajek Hawks had all kinds of great questions. I even received a special drawing from a young boy named Colt. Thanks, Colt!
After a fun lunch with Mrs. Vernon and Mrs. Dalby, I zipped over to Mound Elementary—home of the Mustangs! During my shows, I discovered that this school was chocked full of young writers. And, because of that, I bet that everyone will enjoy their second annual “Come as your Favorite Book Character Day.” Too bad I missed it—would’ve given me the chance to wear my Sherlock Holmes hat!
Thanks to Mrs. Vernon and the Hajek PTO for having me out. Thanks to Mrs. Dalby and the Mound PTO for having me over at Mound. Another thanks to Mrs. Dalby for the great gift bag—much appreciated. And a special thanks to ALL the Hawks and Mustangs. It was fun spending the day with you!
Today I finished my fourth visit to Colorado at Gilcrest Elementary in Gilcrest, CO. I was honored to be part of their I Love to Read month. Which is perfect because I DO love to read!
I performed two shows for almost all the students. I say almost because the entire 5th grade was having a DAY at the museum, so to speak, by enjoying a field trip to the museum of natural history. Luckily, Mrs. Felice videoed my show so you’ll get to watch it later. And … I signed a bunch of books to be given out as prizes. So keep reading, everyone. If you read enough, you might win one of my books … then you can read some more!
Thanks to Mrs. Felice for having me out. Thanks to Mrs. Deselms for taking pictures. And thanks to all the great students at Gilcrest Elementary. Thanks for giving a final fun day in Colorado! Enjoy the rest of I Love to Read month. I think you’ll like what Mrs. Felice has in store for you!
I finally saw a little snow (albeit on the ground) during this Colorado trip. Nothing like the constant snow they had during my two week trip last year. However, the snow made for a pleasant drive on my way to Sierra Elementary in Arvado—home of the Sabertooths!
Once I arrived, I gave three shows for some of the most polite students I’ve ever met—thanks for being a great audience, Sabertooths! I was also pleased to discover how many young writers were there. I even was shown a story by Kyla and Areana. I hope you remember to send me your story when you’re finished. I can’t wait to read it!
Thanks to Mrs. Yacano for having me out. Thanks to Mrs. Janet for all the help setting up. Thanks to Mrs. Martin for the book (looking forward to reading it). And a big thanks to all the Sierra Sabertooths (not Saberteeth, right?). I hope you put my bookmarks to good use!
Today I began my brief Colorado tour with a return to Aragon Elementary in Fountain, CO. I say “returned” since some technical difficulties on my end caused me to reschedule my visit. Luckily, the Aragon students and staff were just as welcoming on my return trip!
I enjoyed giving three presentations followed by a writing workshop for some special 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders. They had some great questions and I just know they’re going off to write some wonderful stories. I met a bunch of Aragon Alligators up close when I signed a bunch of books for some prize-winning students.
Thanks to Mrs. Lorenzini for being a great host and for your help throughout the day. Thanks to Mrs. Davy and her hard work with donorschoose.org for having me out (I’m so sorry you were out sick today). Thanks to Mrs. Rapp for helping me set up. Thanks to Ms. Amanda and Mr. Maiurro for taking pictures. Thanks to all the Kindergarteners for the thank you cards. Thanks to Isaac for the candy bar—very thoughtful. And a big thanks to all the Aragon Alligators! I’m thrilled that I could make it back to see you!
Oak Hammock K-8
As part of Literacy Week, today I visited three great schools in Port St Lucie, FL beginning with Oak Hammock K-8! I performed three quick shows in the morning for select students from grades 2nd through 8th. I had a wonderful time but was disappointed to hear that I was going to miss the big parade of characters the next day. That, along with the spelling bee, sounded like a great way to celebrate Literacy Week!
Bayshore Elementary
After lunch at Oak Hammock, I zipped over to Bayshore Elementary where I gave a single performance for all of 4th and 5th grade! After the show, I signed my first copy of my latest release, the novelization of Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (thanks, Antonio) and even signed a movie poster for Alana. I also signed a bunch of books for the Bayshore Library. I hope everyone enjoys reading them during the school year!
West Gate K-8
And tonight, for my last appearance in Port St Lucie, I performed at West Gate K-8 at their Literacy Week evening event where guests enjoyed a meal from Olive Garden and a show—me! There were many great questions and even some future screenwriters from what I could tell by the interest in the screenplays I had brought along.
Thanks to Mrs. Bolitho and Mrs. Wisniewski for having me at Old Hammock and for a fun lunch. Thanks to Mrs. Beans for having me at Bayshore and for hunting down all my out of print books for the library. Thanks to Mrs. Petruff for having me at West Gate and for coordinating the entire event. And a big thanks to all the students I met today. Have fun and read lots during the rest of Literacy Week!
Released today is my novelization for Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb. Of course, I had the opportunity to read this script when I wrote this book and I think it’s going to be the best Night at the Museum yet! Be sure to see the film when it hits theaters this month. Or, if you can’t wait that long, read the novelization!
Can’t even wait that long? Really?!! Then I guess you should check out the trailer and more at the official movie site HERE.
Today, my last school visit of the year had me at Dunbar Middle School in Dickinson, Texas. I had the rare treat to perform in front of 5th graders only in three large groups—or three teams as they’re divided at Dunbar. Everyone was very attentive and had so many great questions. So much so that during the first show, I didn’t have time to share my silly song with them. Sorry, Spirit Team. You’ll have to hear all about it from the Honor and Courage Teams. Be sure to get them to make a giraffe noise for you!
Thanks to Mrs. Lonsford for inviting me. Thanks to Mrs. Salvato for taking pictures. Thanks to Kaitlyn for the drawing. And a big thanks to all the great 5th graders at Dunbar Middle School. Thanks for making my last author visit of the year an exciting way to end 2014!
I enjoyed a great morning at Minshew Elementary in McKinney, TX–home of the Minshew Mighty Colts! I was greeted by a cool welcome sign and eager students, ready to see my show. I gave two shows and, fortunately for me, Mrs. McNally was able to fit three entire grades into the library for each show. I say I was fortunate because, for each show, I had a packed house in my favorite place to perform–you know, where all the books live!
Thanks to Mrs. McNally, Mrs. Buchanan, and the Minshew PTA for inviting me out. Thanks to Mrs. Stuart for taking pictures, all the help, and for being able to remember every student’s name–wow! Thanks to the Minshew staff for the entertaining lunch. And a big thanks to all the Minshew Colts. Be sure to check out your library for some of the books I signed. And don’t forget to ask Mrs. McNally about winning some of my signed books later!
Today was a split day between two wonderful schools in Burleson, TX. My first stop at Stribling Elementary–home of the Stars! All the students were excited to see me and Mrs. McCalla had installed several cool welcome signs both in and outside the school; it was a great welcome indeed! Between my two presentations in the gym, I overheard that the Stribling Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts would help with the flags at the following day’s Veterans Day celebration. Being an Eagle Scout, that was great to hear!
Thanks to Mrs. McCalla for inviting me, for lunch, and for the great pics. Thanks to Mrs. Orr and Mrs. Kimball for help setting up. And a big thanks to all Stribling Stars for being such a great audience. And to all the Stribling Scouts, best of luck at your Veterans Day ceremony tomorrow. You’ll be great!
After a fun lunch with Mrs. McCalla and Mrs. Oliver, I followed Mrs. Oliver over to Norwood Elementary–home of the Vikings. This was a unique experience since it was my first time performing in an open gym located in the center of the school. They call it “the pit”. I enjoyed speaking on the big stage, in front of their huge, rear-projected screen and being encircled by the pit’s parapets all along the surrounding wall. Even though it’s more like a castle, as far as I’m concerned, it’s a good place for Vikings too!
Thanks to Mrs. Oliver for having me out and a big thanks to all the Norwood Vikings. You had some great questions and enthusiastic animal sounds. I hope you remember those four words I taught you!
