This summer (2012) Jim Aylesworth came to the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids area. He first appeared at the Iowa City Summer Book Festival (
see a few pictures here) and then traveled to Cedar Rapids where he appeared at the Barnes and Noble store in the Lindale Mall area in Cedar Rapids. Four of his best fans were there to meet him for the first time. Although for the most part E.J. has moved beyond picture books as core reading material he has memories of receiving autographed books written by Aylesworth. Kylie, Kaydence, and Marissa still enjoy picture books, Marissa more consistently than the older two who are transitioning into early chapter books and full fledged novels. (Kylie read
Man of War this summer and went to the movie with her father.) But today all four were in attendance and listened intently as Jim Aylesworth shared information about his writing career and read parts of several of his books.
Meeting Jim Aylesworth
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| Jim Aylesworth - A former first grade teacher started his career by reading books to his first graders who encouraged him to write some more -- and to do his best. |
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| Kylie listens. |
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| E. J. is thoughtfully listening -most of the books Aylesworth is talking about are very familiar to this voracious reader. |
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| The important message today is "never give up" and "always do your best" and read and read and read. |
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| Kylie gets asked, "Who is your favorite author?" And she, of course had THE answer: "You." |
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| From LtoR: Marissa, Kylie, E.J. (with a smile this time - thanks to Kylie for making him laugh), Kaydence - and Jim Aylesworth in front. |
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| He wrote more books and his students often provided him with ideas and inspiration for more books. One of the audiences' favorites this day was The Completed Hickory Dickory Dock. |
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| What the author has to say seems to be serious business as he discusses the importance of reading and engaging readers. |
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| Marissa (middle) and Kaydence (top of picture) are learning about some of the books for the first time. Others their older brother and sister (and mom and dad) have read to them. |
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| And of course, she wanted her book autographed too. |
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| From LtoR: Marissa, Kylie, E.J. (without a smile), Kaydence - and Jim Aylesworth in front. |
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| When Kaydence was asked who her favorite author was, she had THE answer too. But then quickly
added, "and my grandmother." She knew who was going to pay for the
books they had chosen. |
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Anyone planning a major children's literature conference or just wanting to have an inspiring author visit your school/community for a day with young readers might wish to invite Jim.
Jim Aylesworth is a popular speaker in schools and libraries and brings much inspiration for reading and writing.
If
you are interested in inviting Jim Aylesworth to your school or library -- for an author appearance please
contact us at
McBookwords. Jim often speaks in schools with young readers, and
at all types of groups that are interested in literacy and books.
McBookwords
has a dozen or more authors that speak with young readers. If you
would like to investigate having an author visit your school or library
-- for an author appearance
please
contact us at McBookwords.
Each of these authors often speak in schools with young readers, and
at all types of groups that are interested in literacy and books.
smc
