Well folks, I guess I am like “officially” an author. I did my very first school author visit!! It was super exciting! It was so great to read my first children’s book to my biggest critics and greatest fans, the littles. I mean, who better to give you an honest review, right?! Children have no problem reminding you that you are having a bad hair day or that you forgot to put lipstick on, or perhaps, that your clothes haven gotten a little tighter. Kids are observant, honest little creatures. So, I was a little nervous going into the the visit. I mean, what if they didn’t like it? Spoiler alert, they totally loved it!
I visited a preschool where I read to 2-5 years old in rotation. Totally my element and my audience. What a joy to read my book several times, in different ways to reach all the little ears and minds. To be able to watch their faces light up as they found the hidden crowns on each page or how excited they were to get to the next page to see what Bea Bee would do next, was just so amazing!
I must say, having been a teacher for so many years, being able to reach each child on their level through a book, MY book, is this educators dream come true!
A book is one of the best teaching tools there is. Once a child opens a book, they find a world of wonder and discovery that awaits them. A child holds a book not only in their hand, but in the heart and mind as well. A story can help them work through fears, problem solve, build confidence, understand the world around them and simply make them smile. For my little book to bring joy and wonder to a child is crazy cool!
“Reading should not be presented to children as a chore, a duty. It should be offered as a gift.” – kate DiCamillo
JJ BRETT 