Fan mail, ah fan mail, both a joy and a challenge: It's usually a joy to read and always a challenge to keep up with responding. I especially love coming across beautifully crafted letters, and I am partial to student drawings. In the above basket, I save 'special' letters. These are ones that are particularly moving or funny or beautifully made.
In a recent batch, I enjoyed these colorful letters from a school in Texas, based on Love That Dog and Hate That Cat and inspired by their creative teacher:
And these from a school in Pennsylvania, using concrete poem-drawings and also inspired by another creative teacher:
And these, from a school in Ohio: woodcuts that blew me away with their beauty. The third grade students had read The Wanderer and then made woodcuts in the style of those by David Diaz that decorate chapter headings in the book. The woodcuts were presented on beautiful parchment paper, with the students' own handwritten words below. Third grade! What a great teacher they have.
So many wonderful gifts in return for the ones you've given. I wonder what would happen if we had that kind of instruction all our learning years?
ReplyDeleteWhat you have shown is very impressive. I'm going to have to go to our library and check out your books.
ReplyDeleteMike and Barb live just outside of Bemus toward Jamestown...on the lake. They are very active in the community...own Anderson's Cleaners in Jamestown. Mike used to work at Roger Tory (past several years) and when he retired, went back to the Cleaners (in and out). My husband just participated in the Take a Seat Auction held at the Casino in Bemus. Do you know about that? I did it several years ago, and when I stopped Gary started donating work.
Beautiful! How lovely to have children connect with and respond to your work.
ReplyDeleteLOOK at all that well-deserved fan mail!! XX
ReplyDeleteWow. Those wood cuts are gorgeous! What a treat for you to receive all those lovely letters!
ReplyDeleteDear Writer,
ReplyDeleteThose woodcuts are amazing!
Thank you for writing books that inspire such creativity.
Your biggest fan,
Brattcat
As an art teacher, you know I'm always interested in kid's work, but those woodcuts blow me away. That's not an easy thing to cut! Very nice.
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful gifts these letters are, you should be very proud to touch so many minds and hearts.
ReplyDeleteI found you through Skoog. Keep up the good work!
Ditto Brattcat!
ReplyDeleteEver thought about a book of 'letters'? I'm sure you have. Might be quite revealing. Have a great Sunday on that beautiful lake.
Holy. Cow.
ReplyDeleteEvery kid should have teachers like those. I've tried woodcuts and they're difficult!
What lovely letters :-)
ReplyDeleteWizz
Third grade? I'm incredulous. Amazing!
ReplyDeleteI love that you have written this post. The people who sent the letters to you must be so proud that you treasure them like this. And I have to echo what everyone else has said--those woodcuts are stunning!
ReplyDeleteI agree with clairz, It's very special that you really take care of the letters you get. I'm also a big fan of your books. I just had a quick question. Where did you get the idea for "the wanderer"?
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed all your comments--thank you.
ReplyDeleteBirdman--yes, I've *thought* about a book of letters, but so far, only *thought*. Not sure what permissions I would need.
Lucy: you can find that info on my website: www.sharoncreech.com
I love seeing all of this! I love your fans. xxx Joanna
ReplyDeleteJo: I love my editor.
ReplyDeleteI think you have a blessed talent and it's gift to inspire others! Thanks so much! ;)
ReplyDeleteHugs
Léia