This little guy won the "Cuddle Up with a Good Book" basket, at the elementary school where I am the media specialist. The basket contained the "Cricket's Capers" book and a picture of the real Cricket, as well as a stuffed animal yorkie and boykin spaniel.  Romona Gould, a first grade teacher at my school, also is an author, and she had her "Inspurr rationa;l" book for cat lovers, a custom made cat quilt with bookmarks, and many more treats.
When this fella came to library for class this week, he told me, "Mrs. Cobb, I have to tell you something so important!"  I told him at the end of class he could stay with me to talk. I was amazed at his excitement about "Cricket's Capers". Once he started sharing I asked him if I could video his good news. He was so excited. This video is what it is all about for me. Creating a book that puts develops a love of reading. After hearing him talk, I knew I had done just that! Mission accomplished!

I can't believe it has been so long since I was able to write in my blog.  Seems like everyone in my family, including myself, has been bitten by the flu bug. We finally are all better.  I have so many awesome things to share!
I presented at the South Carolina International Reading Association at the end of February. It was incredible! My session was about read alouds, and some "tricks of the trade" I use to engage students in books. I had so much fun. At the end of the session I shared "Cricket's Capers". Everyone loved it. That made me smile.

Another awesome bit of news to share... I made the front page of the Newberry Observer. I have NEVER been in the newspaper. This thrilled me. I was born in Newberry South Carolina, and the editor of the paper called me right before I went to the Reading Conference. He asked me to come by the news station for an interview as he was curious about my first children's book, and my journey to having it published.. Needless to say, I was so excited last week, when I saw the article on the front page.

Friday, January 9th, Cricket came to school with me.  It was an incredible day.
I talked with my students about several skills and "Cricket's Capers" was the perfect text to compliment the lesson. We talked about "Main Characters", and also "Making Connections" while reading.
Students remained engaged as I read my book aloud. Students loved singing the "jingle" as it appeared throughout the book.
Cricket was precious. She sat in a pink doggie cushion on my chair, and listened as I read to the classes. Every time I said "Cricket", her ears popped up. It was precious.
I must say the impact of having Cricket, the main character in "Cricket's Capers:" with me at school, was incredible. 
Cricket spent time in the laps of many children throughout the day. Children read to her, loved her, and began to understand the impact of creating a character. 
The response to "Cricket's Capers", was so much more than I ever imagined, The students loved it, and that is what makes me happy. They asked me when the book would be on the library shelves, so they could check it out.
Students who normally didn't have interest in books, and/or reading were inquiring about how they could buy a copy.
My goal as a media specialist is to create a life long love for reading in each child.
Friday, I can honestly say, I know it is happening at Dutch Fork Elementary, and I am happier than I could possibly put in words.
I hope you enjoy the pictures below from Friday's visit. Also I have attached a video clip of a class singing the jingle and thanking "Henry" for creating the music to accompany the words. It was awesome.