Thanks to Ruth Ayers for hosting #celebratelu
One of the highlights of attending the NCTE in Boston was visiting the exhibition hall. Within the four corners of the hall, books, authors and writing were the source of celebration. I went in with a budget limit knowing I had to control my spending habits when it comes to books.
The surprise came when I learned about the books being given away as a advance read copies...yes they give the books away. Or the books are sold a seriously discounted prices! I enjoyed chatting with people in line to get a few books (more on this later).
One of the books I landed is A Home for Mr. Emerson written by Barbara Kerley and illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham. It was signed by Barbara. You can see more about the book here at Barbara's website. The end papers are filled with many wonderful quotes and advice for writers like,
"Write it in your heart that every day is the best day in the year."
or
or
"LOVE the day. Do not leave the sky out of your landscape."
I have a hunch that when the book comes out, it will sell like hotcakes! This book is filled with little gems about Emerson's life!
In all of the latest conversation about writing, writing every day, reading and building community, I made the connection that these topics are really what the book is all about. It celebrates Emerson's life and friends who supported him in rescuing and rebuilding his house after it caught fire. I think in the research to make the book as perfect as it could be, Barbara and Edwin captured just the right quotes and moments of the events before and after the fire occurred to make this an interesting and appealing picture book for kids.
So this week, I am celebrating Authors, Illustrators and Books! I thank my lucky stars that this pair worked together to create such a beautiful illustration of Emerson's life. In the author's notes, there is a quote from Emerson..."through his books, lectures, even the conversations in his parlor, Emerson encouraged people to 'look at the world with new eyes.' and going forward after my NCTE experience, that is just what I intend to do!
This sounds like a great read! I love the idea of looking at the world with new eyes. Just imagine the possibilities...
ReplyDeleteGood for you that you snapped this one up, Amy, I loved this aspect of the exhibition hall, too...and my kids are in heaven over all these advance copies they get to read.
ReplyDeleteLove Barbara Kerley and the energy and voice she brings to biographies! This new book sounds terrific! I can't wait to get hold of it!
ReplyDeleteEvery time I read a post from NCTE, I have one more reason to make sure I make it to the conference next year! I would LOVE that exhibition hall! Note to myself: when going next year, pack on extra bag!
ReplyDeleteThe book sounds marvelous, Amy! Thanks for telling all about it! On my wish list!
ReplyDeleteThe book goes on my wish list too. So far i have read with little envy all the posts about NCTE. When I read your post, i thought for the first time that maybe going to the conference would not be a good idea. If they give books away or sell them at low price, I might end up with too many books and wouldn't be allowed back on the plane. ;)
ReplyDeleteIt was a year ago in January that I discovered the excitement of picking up free ARCs for my classroom at the ALA convention. I was envious of my cousin who could just send her husband to the car with her books. Having arrived via the bus, I chose carefully and ended up with 17 lbs. of books to tote home! Can't wait to check out A Home for Mr. Emerson when it's published.
ReplyDeleteWow - great book. It's on my list! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBooks that are free or highly discounted are always a reason to celebrate. Thanks for highlighting this book.
ReplyDeleteAmy-
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of celebrating authors, illustrators and books! I think I have an idea for next week...
Finding out about the books being given away when I went to NCTE last year was such a fun surprise for me as well. I enjoyed reading about you experiencing this for the first time!
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