Dudley's Adventure---Nov./Dec. Update

As many of you know, Dudley the Bear set out on a (school)year-long journey to celebrate the joy of reading with readers across the country. He has been welcomed into homes, schools and libraries and has met so many readers of all ages.  (See initial explanation of Dudley's Adventure here.)

In the last update, Dudley was visiting an eighth grade class in Moorhead, Minnesota. Thanks Mr. Dooher and Horizon Middle School for been such great hosts!

After leaving Minnesota, Dudley headed back to Michigan.  His next stop...Commerce Elementary School in Commerce Township.  Thank you Mrs. Routledge's class for taking such good care of him. (Though it seems that Dudley may have gotten into a bit of mischief while he was there!)

Dudley helping to answer the phone.

Dudley making copies.

Dudley did some great nonfiction reading (about BEARS, of course!)

From Michigan, Dudley headed to Indiana where he spent time in the Rossville High School library with School Library Journal Mover and Shaker, Sherry Gick.

Dudley got his first taste of what high school was like.

Dudley was the special guest on Rossville High School's Inside the Nest!

Click here to watch Dudley's guest appearance!

The next stop on Dudley's Adventure was Newton, Massachusetts and the Mason-Rice Elementary School library (Jennifer Reed, Librarian).   

Dudley was quickly welcomed and shared some great books!

Students wrote suggestions for which book Dudley should read next...

...and put books on hold for him!

He enjoyed getting to experience other classes like band, phys. ed. and art too!

Visit Jennifer Reed's awesome blog (Reederama) to read her blog post about Dudley's visit.

Thank you so much to these awesome teachers and students for hosting Dudley.  We are learning so much from his travels.

You can check out Dudley's Adventure (the October Update) by clicking here.

You can follow #DudsAdventure on Twitter.

Dudley is already at his next location waiting for students to return from their winter vacation. Where will it be???  Stay tuned!!!!!!

Our Day With Kelly DiPucchio

Today was an amazing day!  A day for which we'd been preparing off and on since the beginning of the school year. Our annual author visit had arrived:  Best selling author, Kelly DiPucchio, spent the day at our school.  Let me just say, she was AWESOME!

The school and library were decorated and ready to greet Kelly when she arrived!

Student books were purchased and ready to be signed.

Lucky fourth graders were chosen to introduce Kelly.

Throughout the day, Kelly captivated audiences of all ages with a variety of interesting, entertaining presentations.

Kelly talks about "How a Book is Born".

Students learn what it's like to be an author.

Kelly reads from The Sandwich Swap.

Students learn about beginning, middle, end (and supporting details) by retelling/building a giant sandwich.

Students couldn't wait for their turn to meet Kelly and have her sign their books.

Each visit ended with, of course, BACON....

Because....EVERYONE LOVES BACON!!!  (500 slices of it!!!)

Thank you, Kelly DiPucchio, for making today such a special day!  

Happy Day!

Last Friday, I had my first mock Newbery Book Club meeting.  The process had started a month ago when twelve fourth grade students were chosen, and agreed, to be part of my district's mock Newbery Book Club.  There are twelve students from each of our three buildings. (I am lucky to work with amazing fellow teacher-librarians Carrie Davies and Katie Lawrence!)

For the last month, students have been reading the books on our mock Newbery list and stopping in to chat with me. However, last Friday was the first time that they were all together in the same place at the same time.  I thought through what I was planning to do with them...the things I'd bring up, the questions I'd ask, the discussions we'd have. As they came came into the library they all congregated in our meeting space.  As I walked over to join them, I was delighted by the conversations that had already begun.

Who had read what?
Who had read a particular title so the ending could be discussed?
Books that had surprised them.
Recommendations for which book they should be read next.
Books they wanted their friends to read...their parents to read.

I came to a realization. (Actually, it pretty much smacked me in the face!)  It was something that I already knew! I hadn't needed to plan anything at all.  These readers just wanted to talk about what they were reading...with people who would listen, understand and share.  Just like I do every day with members with my reading tribe!

I joined in the conversations...never leading, only participating.  My reading heart was happy because their reading hearts were happy!

Dudley's Adventure--October Update

One month ago, my friend Dudley set off on an adventure. (See earlier post here.)

I have decided that I will write a monthly update to help you keep track of his travels and his reading!

Dudley's first stop was Dublin, Ohio.  He was hosted by Mr. Keefer and his fifth grade students at Scottish Corners Elementary School.

While there, Dudley read some great books including:

The Beginner's Guide to Running Away from Home by Jennifer LaRue Huget

Wolfie the Bunny by Ame Dyckman, illustrated by Zachariah OHora

And though it pained those of us back in Michigan, Dudley even sported an Ohio State shirt, while helping celebrate Global Read Aloud!

Chopsticks by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illustrated by Scott Magoon

After a wonderful time in Ohio, Dudley was packed up and sent to his next destination...Shrewsbury, Massachusetts.

He was warmly welcomed by Ms. Burnap's third grade class at Calvin Coolidge Elementary School.

More great reading opportunities...

...and another opportunity to celebrate Global Read Aloud.

The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes

Dudley had the opportunity for a weekend roadtrip to where else?  Dudley, Massachusetts!

From Massachusetts back to Michigan...Lansing, Michigan,  He visited Mrs. Moore and the library at Windmere Park Charter Academy...

...where he assisted with self-checkout...

...and waited patiently for students to arrive!

Waiting by Kevin Henkes

Always time to read a Caldecott winner!

The Adventures of Beekle by Dan Santat

His final (and current) stop in October is Mr. Dooher's eighth grade English class at Horizon Middle School in Moorhead, Minnesota.

Upon arrival, he took time to enjoy the view...

...make new friends...

Dudley's new friend, recommends Last Stop on Market Street by Matt De La Pena, illustrated by Christian Robinson.

...and, of course, read good books!  (He even helped participate in #classroombookaday!)

Creepy Carrots! by Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Peter Brown

I wonder where he's headed next!?!?

Stay tuned!