The Day Eddie Met the Author

From School Library Journal K-Gr 4-All of the kids in Riverside Elementary School are excited about Tuesday, October 10th because that is the day when a real author is coming. Nobody is more excited than Eddie Lewis, whose teacher has done an excellent job of preparing her third graders for the visit. Mrs. Morrow "loved how real authors made the words flow, and how the words sounded just right, and went with pictures in their own way." Eddie thinks about what he wants to ask the guest and finally decides on: "How do you write books that have parts meant for me?" Anticipation builds, the big day arrives, the author speaks and asks for questions, but time runs out before Eddie gets his turn. The problem is resolved, however, when the guest gives him special attention and responds to him: "Eddie, if you write about parts of yourself, I bet your reader will have some of those parts, too." Borden draws upon her vast experience as a visiting author to create a story that is both enjoyable to read but also gently instructive about how to prepare for such a visit. Gustavson's watercolor illustrations capture the boy's emotions well and offer varied perspectives. The double-page spread of individual children asking their questions is particularly well done. Whether or not a school is able to sponsor a visiting author, this book conveys the value of those who write for children.-Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WICopyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc. From