Saturday, January 30, 2010

1-30-20 UNO Professor of Children's Literature, Pat Austin, gives a passionate book talk

1-30-20 UNO Professor of Children's Literature, Pat Austin, gives a passionate book talk

Friends:

I spent half of my Saturday at a professional development seminar hosted by the University of New Orleans (UNO) and Metairie Park Country Day School. Pat Austin, Professor of Children’s Literature at UNO, headed the program. The program began with Pat discussing this year’s ALA winners: the Newbery, the Caldecott, the Prinz, the Sibert, the Geisel, the Pura Belpre’, and the John Steptoe New Talent awards. She booktalked her favorite and not-so-favorite selections from the list. Then Pat showed us some excellent books that didn’t win awards but should have.

After Pat, the lower elementary librarian from Country Day shared how she used the Kindle with her 6th graders. It was interesting to see the school embrace and integrate new technology. The final presentation was by the high school librarian, who shared her experiences in Saudi Arabia, traveling on grant funds. It was very interesting. After a discussion of “Have the Newberys lost their way?”, it was time to eat.

1-30-10 Lunching with Librarians at Country Day's Book Update Event, including my dear friends, Ellen Miller to my left and Betty Brodtmann, to my right

1-30-10 Lunching with Librarians at Country Day's Book Update Event, including my dear friends, Ellen Miller to my left and Betty Brodtmann, to my right

We were treated to a 3 course meal of mixed greens with tomatoes and artichoke hearts, pan seared Marsala chicken, buttery Yukon gold potatoes, haricot vert, and delicious Spumoni cheesecake. Every bite was delectable. The Country Day chef, Jerome, did a phenomenal job. Thank you!

I enjoyed my morning and loved meeting new people. It’s always great to hang out with librarians because they get excited about championing books. We all have the same goal – literacy! Getting kids to read is a job we must all do together.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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