Could you pull off a successful author visit with only one week to prepare your students and library? Donna, how did you do it?
Donna Kouri: Fortunately, students and teachers at my school are huge Pete the Cat fans. I did not have to introduce this wonderful character - he was already familiar to students. (One of the most asked questions in our library is “Where are the Pete the Cat books?) I did work hard to introduce students to Pete the Cat and his Four Groovy Buttons, the newest book in the Pete the Cat series. I read the book to students and we sang the song. I was excited to share this book and I think my excitement transferred to my students. I also involved students of all ages in preparing for the visit. They made groovy buttons and shoes which we used to create bulletin boards and to decorate the halls. Students were so excited that many made posters at home and brought them in to help. We also declared the day that Eric and James visited as Pete the Cat Day. We discussed how we could dress for this special day. I made sure to make numerous announcements in the mornings about this event. By the time it arrived, the students were hyped and ready.
Donna, please finish the following sentence starters.
*Pete the Cat is fun and catchy and has a positive message.
* The Pete the Cat stickers and erasers were thoughtful and a huge hit! They kept Pete’s energy going.
*Every child in the audience was excited and energized and signing along. It was all good!
*Mr. Schu, you should have asked me about the beautiful Pete the Cat painting James created for us.
Borrow Eric Litwin and James Dean's books from your school or public library. Whenever possible, please support independent bookshops.
Pete the Cat Saves Christmas will be released on September 25, 2012.
