I Feel Skippy

I'm here sipping coffee in my hotel room, half way back from Philly. I'll have a nice leisurely drive after a good night's rest. So much to tell you but for now, this... At the workshop I met Judith Schachner, the author of the Skippy Jon Jones children's book series. I was not in her workshop, because it coincided with the memoir workshop, but in between sessions I stopped in to tell her how much my kids love her books.

She recommended a couple of books for summer reading. One is Rascal, by Sterling North. It's a chapter book and I know nothing of what it's about but can't wait to look it up, because I had a dog named Rascal for a short time as a child and I loved him. The other was Blackstock's Collections, a book of lists and pictures drawn by an artist with autism. I know Riley will love it, because she just adores filing info into her super duper memory. One of her favorite past times is pouring over the encyclopedia of cat breeds, etc. The drawings in Blackstock's book are so incredibly detailed. Foster, can you take a break from your counting to check out these lists? Carrie, a book of lists? Your funk is over!

Judith Schachner was lovely. I only talked to her for two minutes in the hall, but she was so gracious, digging around in her luggage to get me the title of the Blackstock book and even taking a Skippy Jon Jones pin off her bag to give to Riley. She seemed like an artist who thoroughly enjoys life, and that, my friends is why Skippy is such a hit. Skippy is a joyful little thing.

So, I'm off for my continental breakfast, and a shower, and then I'll see ya home, okay? Gobs to tell you about the trip after I get settled, but the main thing is this:

Love.