Coffee with Jeni Reeves

During the summer months activity seems to slow down for many educators but for writers and illustrators the work goes on non-stop.  A few days ago Jeni Reeves took time out from her writing/illustrating tasks to sit down and have a cup of coffee with me.

Jeni Reeves @ Java Creek

Much to catch up on.  Jeni has made research trips to New York City, Chicago, Virginia -- all in the quest of accurate details to guide her current writing/illustrating project (left for her to disclose when she is ready).  She's visited with Arthur Geisert during his celebration of the release of his most recent book and the whole town of Bernard's celebration.  She's successfully completed murals for the popular African American Museum's current exhibit -- Western Africa: Before the Boats.  The exhibit opened on January 12,  2013 and will be available until March 30, 2014.  Busy woman.  But on this day we had coffee and much conversation and was looking together towards the coming academic year.  A very nice day.



McBookwords arranges appearances by authors/illustrators in libraries, school, other literature forums.  We are now booking Jeni's appearances for 2013-2014, and in addition McBookwords has a dozen or more authors that speak with young readers.  If you would like to investigate having an Jeni or any other 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. 

Authors/illlustrators can provide so much in terms of background and inspiration for reading and writing.

 smc 

Getting ready for "Before the Boats" - Artist Jeni Reeves

Karen Hoyt created this section for the Village murals that

will be part of the museum exhibit.

This past week I was thrilled to be able to take a peek at the preparations for the upcoming exhibit at the African American Museum exhibit (Cedar Rapids, Iowa).

Jeni Reeves - the illustrator of dozens of children's books and a fine artist who is known for her landscape and portrait paintings uses her talents to create panels that will be included in the Rain Forest section of the exhibit. The exhibit will have a b&w guide that will help visitors identify the flora and fauna of this environment.

Jeni's work will be a major part of this exhibit that opens on January 12, 2013

and will continue through March 30, 2014.

Find out more about the exhibit by visiting the museum's website at www.blackiowa.org. Find out more about Jeni Reeves at her website at www.jenireeves.com.
Anyone planning a major children's literature conference or just wanting to have an inspiring author/illustrator visit your school/community for a day with readers might wish to invite Jeni.
Jeni Reeves enjoys sharing her art and her book illustrations with young readers and artists.
If you are interested in inviting Jeni Reeves to your school or library -- for an author appearance please contact us at McBookwords.
Jeni will be part of a forum at the  Wisconsin State Reading Association Conference - Feb. 7-9, 2013.  The session will be presented on Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 9:30 -11:00 a.m.
Authors Speak: Common Core State Standards and an Author's Role  Presenters: Sharron McElmeel, Dori Hillestad Butler, Michelle Edwards, Carol Gorman, Jeni Reeves.

 

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