The Ambassador's last days

In a few weeks, a new Ambassador for Children's Literature will be named by The Library of Congress and Jon Scieszka will no longer be entitled to his sash. Fortunately for us, I have little doubt we may still spot him at La Bagel Delight wearing it to get free bagels.

Doubly exciting: he will return to Berkeley Carroll for another visit with the Third Grade in January!

His first visit was November 6th when he led a rousing assembly and visited every classroom. He also spoke to the Second and Fourth Grades about writing and his upcoming books. He was such a lovely guest.



You can read some wonderful, funny articles by Jon about the state of children's literature and the experience of being Ambassador for Children's Literature HERE and HERE.

He has some great advice for parents, too! From The Huffington Post article, some rules of thumb:

• Let each child choose what she or he wants to read.
  

• Expand the definition of "reading" to include non-fiction, humor, graphic novels, magazines, action adventure, and, yes, even websites.
  

• If a kid doesn't like one book, don't worry about finishing it. Start another.
  

• Be a good reading role model.
  

• Avoid demonizing television, computer games, and new technologies.