I had the great pleasure of speaking to the 575 students of Grande Park Elementary School this morning.

As the kids were taking their places I had images from the book projecting onto the screen and they started oohing and ahhing with more and more excitement each time a new image appeared. It was so AWESOME!

Also, many of the kids came dressed as their favorite book characters, which was so fun. There was a Girl with a Pink Cape, a Queen of Hearts, Pippy Longstocking, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, some superheroes and so many more.

Then we talked about authoring/illustrating Chicago Treasure, the importance of inclusion, and I showed them some ways they could draw characters based on shapes. We ended with the kids asking me questions and I am always so impressed by how thoughtful their questions are.

I can not thank the students, faculty and the PTA enough for your hospitality – I had the best time.

Go Grizzlies!