Long Island celebration

Posted by on Aug 23, 2015 in Book: Ice Harbor Mittens, Book: Island Birthday, Illustration, School Visits | 1 comment

1Long_blogWhat fun to island hop for another celebration of summer reading, this time at the Long Island Library.

As a long-time member of the Island Institute, I enjoy learning about other islands, but visiting them is too rare. The logistics of going “down the bay” requires first a trip to Portland on Casco Bay Lines and then another ferry to another 4 stops. What would have been about an hour-plus of ferry time became a 15 minute trip on a water taxi instead, thanks to my host.

But man, was it a soupy morning.

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No horizon line visible, and nothing to see in our wake, either.

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Captain John joked, “hope we find Long!”

Yes, we happily did. Marci Train, teacher and year-round islander met me at the dock. I met such a fine flock of kids, parents, grandparents, and visitors.

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photo by Marci Train

After telling about my process for illustrating Island Birthday and reading the story, kids assembled planes and decorated them.

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Nimble fingers needed!

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Many were curious about trying my pastels. This young artist, without any prompting, used his kleenex to make soft smudges on his drawing.

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After planes were flown and balloons were popped, Marci showed me her K-2 classroom between discussions with colleague Paula Johnson in her 3-5 classroom.

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Island schools are the heart of a year-round community. Hats off to these two teachers who keep learning alive in their classrooms full of big windows and new horizons! I have fond memories of chaperoning field trips from the Peaks Island School to Long way back when. Marci is preparing for a new year on two levels: her daughter, like mine, is off to college.

Marci gave me a quick tour of Long. I wanted a new perspective, looking for a view of Peaks, but the fog prevailed.

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This ghostly view of Pumpkin Knob on the ride home reminded me of my last visit to Long Island, with author Robin Hansen.

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Our book, Ice Harbor Mittens, is all about knowing your way in the fog.

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Thanks to Long Island Library for another memorable visit!

One Comment

  1. I adore how you LIVE your books and make them LIVE for others.

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