Author Visit at Redwood Elementary School, Shafter, CA

Animal faces made by pre-K students at Redwood Elementary School, Shafter, CA

Last Wednesday I had an excellent author visit at Redwood Elementary School in Shafter, California, located in Kern County near Bakersfield.  I made two presentations in the large activity center–one to students in kindergarten through second grade, and another to students in fourth through sixth grade. They were excited to have a chance to meet me and were a very enthusiastic audience. The school mascot is the bald eagle so they particularly enjoyed learning that it takes two students with their arms stretched out to equal the wingspan of a bald eagle. 

Forest animal biome poster

I was especially pleased with the preparation for my visit. All the students had read at least some of my books, either as traditional books or as e-books, and many of the classrooms had done projects inspired by my books. The teacher’s lunchroom was decorated with wonderful animal faces made by pre-K students and moose pictures by first graders. Construction paper monkeys and other rainforest animals decorated the windows. Zebra striped balloons, napkins, and table cloths completed the animal theme. I enjoyed the chance to chat with teachers during the lunch period and to share in the delicious food.

Rainforest animals decorating the teacher's lunchroom

After lunch I autographed books in the library. (Students had pre-ordered books from Barnes and Noble.) I thank principal Rosa Romero and vice-principal Monica Garza for inviting me to Redwood and for doing such a good job of organizing the day. And I especially thank First Grade teacher Virginia Kulzer for being my assistant all day long and doing a great job of introducing me to the students. Altogether it was a very successful Author Day!

Animal pyramid poems on display in the library