Four months ago, I created a short animoto video with pictures of a window display from Once Upon a Time, an indie bookstore in Montrose (CA). The store owner, Maureen Palacios, wanted to enter a contest being sponsored by Macmillan Publishers to win a store visit from author/illustrators Bob Shea and Lane Smith. Part of the requirements was to create a window display for the book, Kid Sheriff and the Terrible Toads. One of the staff created the window to match the book, and I had about 7 pictures of the window display, but no idea of how I would create something that might actually win the contest. Several weeks later, we learned that the video did indeed win and Bob and Lane would be coming out to California for not only a store visit but a school visit.
Here is the video I created using animoto:
On Friday, February 27th, Hamilton Elementary School hosted Bob Shea and Lane Smith for an author visit. It was also the day that they were celebrating Read Across America.
If you haven't read, Kid Sheriff and the Terrible Toads, I would strongly encourage you to find a copy and read it.
Bob setting up his presentation before the kids arrived.
There were 300 excited 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders in the audience.
Bob and Lane read Kid Sheriff to the audience and alternated characters and voices. It was a lot of fun.
Bob also shared with students his upcoming book, Ballet Cat The Totally Secret Secret.
Bob and Lane took turns sketching pictures for the students.
Lane sketched out the Stinky Cheese Man for young fans.
There were many enthusiastic questions from the audience.
Principal Frances Weissenberger and Librarian Wayne Yorke have a photo op with Bob and Lane.
Some Pasadena Police Officers were on hand to read in classes and stopped by to pick up some books for kids and grandkids.
Pasadena Unified School District Board Member Dr. Elizabeth Pomeroy was also there to read in a classroom and stopped by to meet Bob and Lane.
On Saturday morning, Once Upon a Time hosted a storytime with Bob and Lane.
Judy recreated her winning window display.
Books were on display and available for purchase.
Children's Illustrator Vincent X. Kirsch stopped in to say hi to Bob and Lane.
2015 Caldecott Winner, Dan Santat came by with his two boys and posed for a picture.
Lots and lots of books were signed.
We gathered some of the local children's illustrators for a picture with Bob and Lane.
At the end, the employees from Once Upon a Time got in for some picture action too.
Thank you Macmillan for this wonderful opportunity and thank you Bob Shea and Lane Smith for sharing your books, talent and humor with us.