A Perk Of The New School

Tonight our school held a literacy night: an evening event focused on getting kids excited about reading. There were tables set up for the kids to make bookmarks and reading journals, a literary matching game, a read aloud of "The Cat In The Hat" by the cat himself, a book walk (think cake walk with less sugar), a chance to have pictures taken, and a book signing by Brandon Mull. For those who don't know, Brandon Mull in the author of "The Candy Shop Wars" and the Fablehaven series. He did an assembly for the upper grades during the day and Daniel's teacher has been reading "The Candy Shop Wars" out loud for the class, so Daniel was totally excited about the chance to buy his own book and get it signed by the author.

Now, I won't stand in line to get autographs from rock stars or movie stars, but when my nine year old wants his book signed by the author I surely will join the crowd. So we stood. And we waited. And then we stood and waited some more. Nathan took breaks from line standing to go do activities, but Daniel was focused on getting his book signed and only left for a few minutes to get his picture taken. When we got to the front of the line, I realized that the assistant principal was trying to hurry things along by encouraging Brandon Mull to sign his name only, not the names of people whose books he was signing. But he, in very good-natured manner, was pleasantly signing books to specific people, signing posters, and even autographed several bookmarks for the family in front of us. I was impressed, even though it meant a slightly longer wait. So Daniel and Nathan got their books signed and now my six year old is starting to read "Fablehaven." Mission literacy: accomplished.

Apparently the school tries to get a different author to come to the school each year for the literacy night. I think that is a super fun event to look forward to each year.

Notice that the background is populated with characters from Brandon Mull's books.