Abby Sunshine

Wow, did those 3rd graders at Kenwood make my day today.  I entered the room as they were cooling off in the late afternoon, lights dimmed, windows open, the fall breeze attempting to cool off the second floor classroom.  Kids were comfortably gathered around the room; some chose to stay at desks, others made themselves at home on the rug.  It felt like a Friday afternoon.  The room was set up in such an inviting manner–I bet the kids feel very good just being in the room.  I joined the teacher on a small couch where she reads to the kids and as I was setting up my stand, those curious people immediately began the discussion.  Some had recalled me being there before (I had read across the hall from them a few weeks ago).  After reading the story, we had such a wonderful dialog, I think I could have talked with them all afternoon!  We brainstormed other animals they could write about and they thought of many fun ideas of what to teach Abby.  What made me feel the happiest, though, was when a student came to me and asked if he could read me his poetry.  At this point, I found another comfortable nook in the classroom where the teacher had purchased an antique set of two theatre chairs–they were so cool and fold up just like in a movie theatre!  Anyway, I sat in one of those chairs and this delightful student opened his tablet and read four pages of his poems to me.  He was awesome, his voice was clear and he read so nicely.  He had been inspired to write from some books with which he had become familiar.  I had many good conversations during my visit.  Upon departure, I came upon some kids I had met at a previous reading.  They remembered Abby Sunshine and greeted me warmly.  I was pleased to have another brief word with a student who had taken me aside to talk about his science fiction writing.  Apparently, the banner is correct, “Kenwood kids are the best!