Cake, presents, new friends who love to read. Could the Button Down birthday party have been any better? 
Manuel and I demonstrate what a three legged race is as I introduce Ned in The Luck of the Buttons. Tugs and Ned are discussing their chances in the three legged race when Ned says, "I can't catch, but I still like to play football."
Eager participants in discussion about how a book goes from idea to finished product, and all the jobs people have, and they could have someday, to make it happen.
Reaching for Candlewick Press in Massachussetts
Cake from Layers Sensational Cakes of Monterey. A very sweet gift from my Iowa writer/illustrator friends Michelle Edwards, Jackie Briggs Martin, Claudia McGehee, and Carol Gorman. 
What's the best present a book could get?
Readers! Thanks to the Granny Sisters - books for all!
Thank you, Ms. Bishop and Cesar Chavez fourth graders!