Lunchtime Book Club Graphics on Display

This fall a number of students participated in a lunchtime book club for 4th and 5th graders devoted to learning about graphic books, in other words the new genre of children's literature presented through the visual arts in cartoon fashion. Students selected one of the library's new graphic books on history, myths, legends or classic tales. After reading the book, the student created his or her own graphic book review using cartoon techniques to create and color a panel or panels about the book. Come by the library before the winter break to see these graphic book reviews -- I'm quite amazed by the interest and commitment level of the students. The next session of the lunchtime book club will begin in January and will probably focus on audio book reviews.

Book Fair "Safari" Successful

The Fall Book Fair was again a great success and generated over $ 4,000 in book credit for our primary school library. Many, many thanks to all who participated as purchasers and volunteers! Also special thanks to Kaleidoscope students who created animal art, including paper plate snakes, monkeys, elephants and tigers, for our "safari" decorations. And thanks to our teachers who gave class time to come to the Book Fair and helped students keep their money and purchases organized! I hope everyone is enjoying their new books!

Chen Visit Excites Young Artists

Our primary school students were so lucky to have the opportunity to learn from Chen Jiang Hong, Chinese author and illustrator from France, who visited our school for a week after Fall Break. Mr. Chen, who is principally an artist, spoke to our students variously in French, English and Chinese, showed some students how to use Chinese brushes and ink to create dragons, horses, characters and more. With other students, he took questions about his writing process and his books. With younger students, he read from his beautiful picture books which are available in many languages around the world. Mr. Chen was so generous with his time and energies for the benefit of our students. We hope he will be able to visit us again!