The Day Eddie Met the Author

Third-grader Eddie Lewis and the other students at Riverside Elementary School are eagerly preparing for October 10th, when "a real author" will be visiting the school. Eddie likes to both read and write. His teacher encourages him by saying, "We are all authors with important stories inside us." Each child has prepared a question for the author. Eddie's question is: "How do you write books that have parts meant for me?" But during the author's presentation, Eddie doesn't get a chance to ask his question. The author sees him afterward and makes a special effort to talk with him and give him a chance to pose his question in person. Eddie is awed by the experience, and he intends to write about it. While the identity of "The Author" is kept anonymous throughout the text -- a technique that lends even *more* mystique to the specialness of her appearance -- this book is obviously an autobiographical story for Borden and is based on her own school visits. The narration is told in such a way that the reader's anticipation builds just like it would if we were looking forward to meeting a celebrity ourselves. We've all been there. Even adults become nervous and tongue-tied when faced with speaking to someone they admire and respect. Thus does this book transcend audience level. We can *all* relate to Eddie's situation. Adam Gustavson's realistic paintings add greatly to the story. They convey freeze-frames of realistic emotion from every character, especially of Eddie and The Author. This title is certainly useful for preparing elementary students for author visits. Secondarily, it's highly recommended for aspiring writers of *any* age who seek advice from "a real author."

Another fabulous book illustrated by one of todays top childrens book artists. Can't wait to see his next book !