Our Day with the fabulous Laurie Keller!

The day was finally here!  We had been waiting for November 21, 2014 since the beginning of the school year. (I had been waiting for November 21, 2014 since last May!)....LAURIE KELLER DAY!

Preparations began weeks (months) ago.  We read and discussed books.  We watched book trailers. We watched video clips of Arnie the Doughnut (the musical).  All to make sure that we were ready for our day with the FABULOUS Laurie Keller....author/illustrator of The Scrambled States of America, Open Wide, Do Unto Otters, Arnie the Doughnut, Bowling Alley Bandit, Invasion of the UFOnuts (and many more).

Displays were constructed in the hallways and the library.

Books were purchased and ready to be signed.

Laurie arrived and was greeted by our special "Arnie" greeter.

Laurie spent the day telling us about what it's like to be an author/illustrator and her personal inspirations and process.

She captivated us with her stories.

She gave us a sneak peek of the next book in the Adventures of Arnie the Doughnut series:  The Spinny Icky Showdown...(available November 2015) YAY!

She taught us how to draw...otters, doughnuts and facial expressions.

She graciously took the time to talk with us and sign our books.

Our day wouldn't have been complete without...you guessed it...DOUGHNUTS! (chocolate covered with sprinkles....of course!)  This was one of FOUR boxes of doughnuts.  Laurie called it "An army of Arnies!"

As the day ended, we learned that not only is Laurie Keller an amazingly talented author/illustrator, but she is also a kind, gracious and AWESOME person.

Thanks for spending the day with us, Laurie!  We won't forget it for a long time!