I am exciting to see that so many groups are really working hard to keep our kids reading this summer. I have attended a number of events--and have many more lined up.
I am also working ahead to another busy school year with both Willie's Wagon and A Hog Ate My Homework! Willie's next adventure is in the works, too.
I hope your summer is going well.
I want to hear from some of you. It has been awhile.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Back to the blog!
Now that a great year of school visits is in the books, I can get back to things like writing! Part of that is catching up on this blog which I have let sit idle way too long.
I know some of the children we have been getting to know are getting ready for this year's cancer camp in Boone, Iowa. Many of them have been counting the days. Some new campers are fighting the jitters as expected.
I want to thank so many schools, teachers and students who have helped us help the camp in any small way we can. We have mananged to put together thousands of dollars in donations so that more children can go to camp. No one is turned away at the Heart Connection Cancer Camp--but the non-profit has to cover its expenses just like the rest of us.
Post replies and let's get talking again! Thanks for your support with Willie's Wagon and A Hog Ate My Homework!
Gary
I know some of the children we have been getting to know are getting ready for this year's cancer camp in Boone, Iowa. Many of them have been counting the days. Some new campers are fighting the jitters as expected.
I want to thank so many schools, teachers and students who have helped us help the camp in any small way we can. We have mananged to put together thousands of dollars in donations so that more children can go to camp. No one is turned away at the Heart Connection Cancer Camp--but the non-profit has to cover its expenses just like the rest of us.
Post replies and let's get talking again! Thanks for your support with Willie's Wagon and A Hog Ate My Homework!
Gary
Saturday, January 24, 2009
What A Day--What an Honor!
I think Friday afternoon will go done as one of those milestone days for me and my two books. As i was in Denver at the recognition event for the Children's Moonbeam Award for A Hog Ate My Homework (and attending the ALA convention) I got more great news! We just won a Mom's Choice Award for Willie's Wagon!
I had called home to tell Pam things were going very well--and asked her to check email. I had heard from another author that the results were in for the Mom's Choice Awards. At first Pam didn't see the email, so I thought we didn't win. Then came the exciting call out--
"Here it is --let me read it to you!"
What a day--what an honor!
This should help our grassroots effort to get the book out there. I appreciate your help too. Any blogs and reviews you can think of--please help us spread the word!
Gary
I had called home to tell Pam things were going very well--and asked her to check email. I had heard from another author that the results were in for the Mom's Choice Awards. At first Pam didn't see the email, so I thought we didn't win. Then came the exciting call out--
"Here it is --let me read it to you!"
What a day--what an honor!
This should help our grassroots effort to get the book out there. I appreciate your help too. Any blogs and reviews you can think of--please help us spread the word!
Gary
Monday, December 22, 2008
Pig at school!
Frankie is a big hit with the kids! Our new family pet-- Frankie the pig--is also helping us spread the word about our new book A Hog Ate My Homework!
We visited Wapello's elementary school a few days ago and had a blast. Frankie took over the library for awhile, posed for pictures, and strutted the halls visiting children.
In one photo--- Frankie is getting to know my new friend Tabitha.
We continue to raise money to send kids to cancer camp.
Enjoy the holidays!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
The shhhhhh Reader
At a great event in Maquoketa, Iowa this weekend I had a tremendous turnout at the Old Lumberyard Gift Shop. We had a steady stream of people for an hour and a half!
But of all the kind and caring people I met, one boy stood out. He was about 10 or 11. He stood in line with his mom and got a book for his sister. About 20 minutes later, he came back when the line was gone. He put some money down and said, "i need another copy for my sister." I noticed a hesitation in his voice and set down my pen.
"You sure this book isn't for you?" I asked.
He nodded 'yes'.
I said he could whisper if he wanted. He leaned over and said the coolest thing. "It's really for me--but i don't want to say it out loud. I started reading my sister's copy and I couldn't stop reading."
I happily personalized a copy and told him to rest assured--I have loyal 6th grade readers too and that he shouldn't have to be embarrassed to read my books. What a cool exchange. It is one I will never forget.
But of all the kind and caring people I met, one boy stood out. He was about 10 or 11. He stood in line with his mom and got a book for his sister. About 20 minutes later, he came back when the line was gone. He put some money down and said, "i need another copy for my sister." I noticed a hesitation in his voice and set down my pen.
"You sure this book isn't for you?" I asked.
He nodded 'yes'.
I said he could whisper if he wanted. He leaned over and said the coolest thing. "It's really for me--but i don't want to say it out loud. I started reading my sister's copy and I couldn't stop reading."
I happily personalized a copy and told him to rest assured--I have loyal 6th grade readers too and that he shouldn't have to be embarrassed to read my books. What a cool exchange. It is one I will never forget.
TOO BUSY TO BLOG???!!
That's a good thing! I have so many wonderful stories to share--but so little time to sit down and write them.
The highlights--
Willie's Wagon continue to raise money to send kids to cancer camp and inspire healthy children to make a difference.
The journey continues with book number 2--A Hog Ate My Homework! Willie's new adventure went directly to the number one spot at Borders and Barnes and Noble in Davenport!
We also just won our first national award! An early reader award with the Moonbeam Children's Book Awards.
The best part is--i am meeting so many of my young friends that are inspired to do things for other people. I'll share more soon.
Enjoy your family this season!
The highlights--
Willie's Wagon continue to raise money to send kids to cancer camp and inspire healthy children to make a difference.
The journey continues with book number 2--A Hog Ate My Homework! Willie's new adventure went directly to the number one spot at Borders and Barnes and Noble in Davenport!
We also just won our first national award! An early reader award with the Moonbeam Children's Book Awards.
The best part is--i am meeting so many of my young friends that are inspired to do things for other people. I'll share more soon.
Enjoy your family this season!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
DUNE BUGGY KICKS INTO GEAR!
On Saturday the Willie's Wagon dune buggy got a chance to hit the road and bring a big smile to the face of a courageous little boy. Sergio has been undergoing some serious treatment for cancer and needed a lift in spirits. He lifted our spirits too as we met at a fundraiser for him and gave him a ride he won't forget soon.
He wanted to drive--but since he has a few years still to go before he can get behind the wheel-- I drove. In the backseat sat my son Adam --and another cancer buddy Chance. Chance and his family have been helping Sergio and his by sharing their experiences.
It was quite the ride. and you know what, there is really something about seeing a little boy who has been so sick break out with a really big smile!
He wanted to drive--but since he has a few years still to go before he can get behind the wheel-- I drove. In the backseat sat my son Adam --and another cancer buddy Chance. Chance and his family have been helping Sergio and his by sharing their experiences.
It was quite the ride. and you know what, there is really something about seeing a little boy who has been so sick break out with a really big smile!
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