Although the weather warned of thunderstorms and flooding, Judy Moody and Stink fans couldn't stay away. Author Megan McDonald was in town this weekend for the Get Moody With Stink and Judy event that was held on Saturday, April 18th at Meadow Wood Elementary School. This was a free, family event sponsored by favorite neighborhood bookstore, Blue Willow Bookshop.
Author Megan McDonald captivated the kids with stories about writing, Judy Moody and Stink. She spoke about her latest project, Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt which will be released in July 2009. Judy Moody & Stink will have to collect clues to find the treasure.
The community came together as local schools, libraries, Literacy Advance of Houston and the event sponsor, Blue Willow Bookshop provided fun activities, arts & crafts, games and give aways. Megan McDonald, author of the best-selling Judy Moody and Stink books gave a presentation and signed books. Judy Moody fans received a “mood’ ring and a sample of Judy Moody's favorite ice cream, shipped from Screamin’ Mimi’s Ice Cream Parlor in California. In addition, Stink fans were provided a “smelly treat”, and tried to guess the items in the box by their smell. Fans could decorate their own guinea pig, based on the book, Stink and the Great Guinea Pig Express and enter it in a contest.
Judy Moody's Mood Ring
Stink's Decorate Your Own Guinea Pig Contest Entry
The Houston Public Library was promoting their summer reading program during the event. The more books the kids read, the more prizes they are eligible to win. This year, if the kids read 20 or more books, they are entered into a final drawing for a laptop computer, a desktop computer, digital camera, gift cards and a guest spot on a national radio station.
Dan Nagel, the librarian at Treasure Forest Elementary school, bussed in 48 students to attend the event. These students had to earn the right to go to the event by attending a TAKS preparation class. Dan has a passion for providing these kids with as many opportunities as he can to promote reading. He stated that his principal supports these events that promote reading. The students were excited to meet the author and be a part of this event.
Megan McDonald visited several schools on Friday, including Meadow Wood Elementary and Nottingham Elementary and spent time with students. Also, she met with Cammie Moise, founder of MomsMaterial.com and provided an interview. Cammie said, "She definitely has a gift for reaching kids and inspiring them to read and write." Megan also, spoke with Taylor Moise, the editor of the 4th Grade Newsletter at Rummel Creek Elementary. Megan answered questions and encouraged Taylor to read and spend time on the creative process of writing. She was excited to be featured in the newsletter and Taylor was mesmerized with her stories.
We will follow up with our interview shortly.
Cammie Moise