Computer School in Webster Groves, Missouri, 2014

   
  COOKING A BOOK
     Program for Grades K - 3
     45 minutes

     Wearing a chef's hat and coat, I "cook" a book for students.  Into my   
     large pot go inspiration, research, rough drafts, revisions, pencil 
     sketches and more as I explain how an author's idea becomes a 
     published book.  I use my seventh book, Out of This World, as my 
     primary example, though I also read from some of my other books.   
     Additional props include an original book illustration and a printing
     press sheet.  
                                                                                                
    By the end of this interactive program, students should have gained 
    an appreciation both for the writing process and the book-making 
    process.  I conclude with a Q&A session.  

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2014 St. Clair Regional Young Writers Conference in Belleville, Illinois

Photo credit for photos 1 and 4: Julie Simonson; 2 and 3: Al Edgar