Sorry, I know It's been a while....

Ok, so I guess you all deserve an update!  I am getting really settled here, and have been doing a lot of the same things over and over---which isn't very exciting to read.  Today I went to class, and then did homework, and then went to class again....oh and once I am done with this blog I am going to do more homework. Yipee!  I won't bore you to death with those details, I will just give you some information on the interesting things!

This past weekend I went to the National Book Festival at the National Mall.  My favorite children's book Author & Illustrator duo was there, and it was really fun to get to see them in person, and get a book signed by them.  I also got to see another one of my favorite children's authors speak, unfortunately I couldn't get a book signed by him. Bummer!

Above is a picture of the national mall filled with people.  There were over 50 authors there, from children's books and mystery to biography and poetry.  It was a great experience. I walked around and listened to authors speak, and went in the tent that had a representative from each state, and got information on reading programs and some fun bookmarks.

So my favorite children's Author and Illustrator team is Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin.  They cooperate on a bunch of really great children's books.  My favorite, and the one that won the Caldecott award, is called Click Clack Moo, Cows That Type.  I went and watched them speak together which was quite enjoyable.  They read their newest book outloud, with help from the audience.  They also had the children in the audience help them come up with ideas for the beginning of a new book, and Betsy Lewin illustrated it as we went. 

(Doreen Cronin, author)

(Betsy Lewin, illustrator)

I also sat and watched a presentation by David Shannon.  He writes a bunch of great books for kids, and during his presentation he read his newest book Too Many Toys outloud, with voices and actions included.  He also gave a demonstration on how to draw David (the main character in many of his books).  

(David Shannon, author and illustrator)

Below is a video of David Shannon-he is so funny I couldn't pass up getting videos of him, he could easily be a comedian as well as an Author and an Illustrator. I have 2 more but couldn't get them to post-if I figure it out I will add them!

(An Excerpt from: Too Many Toys)

In other news...there isn't really news.

Hmm, I am realizing that I don't really do that much.  I have been working on many different projects and assignments for class, getting to know people a lot better around here, and having a good time.  I am also getting to know some different people in my department.  Marilyn, the coordinator for my program, is amazing and I have really been getting to know her--and I am helping her learn how to use her new Mac.  

So, here's the thing.  I don't want to continuously write the same things on here over and over...and I am really curious what you want to know about. SO! Think up something you are curious about, some questions for me, and add them as a "comment" on this post. You don't have to sign in or make an account or anything, just hit "comment" and leave me a question.  If you can't figure that out than just email me your questions--nichutchy4@gmail.com. Then, in my next post I can answer some of your questions and make this a bit more interesting.

So that is it for now!  

-Nicole