Checking It Off the List...

Is there someone you have always wanted to meet? I am going to totally reveal my inner nerd by telling you mine would be the author of my favorite children's book, "Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse". When I learned that Kevin Henkes was going to be at the small Barnes and Nobles in my suburb (and not the "mothership" store in Austin) I was beyond excited. The only problem? I found out about it the same day he was arriving, and I needed a ticket to attend. Tickets that were handed out during the hours that I was in the classroom. Probably reading Lilly out loud to rapt second graders. To the rescue: Loyal Sister who went to the Barnes and got me an "A" ticket. First in line position. Score!
I am Christmas-morning-with-a-new-bike-under-the-tree thrilled here. He gave a small talk, answered questions, autographed books and filled everyone there with The Happy.
But, wait! There's more! Today a fellow teacher and I took the afternoon off to visit the Texas Librarian's Association convention. We took the new train downtown and stepped into a wonderland of books, books, books.
And fringe personalities.
This is Mike Thaler, author of the Black Lagoon series. (Perfect second-grade friendly books.) Our students are going to be sooooooooo jealous in the morning. But they'll love the personalized autographs.

There you have it: my secret life with children's books. Life is good in the second grade.

(Thanks to librarian extraordinaire, Ms. G, for the tickets!)