Suzanne (ILT) Bloom

Writers are often advised to write about what they know, but few could turn the humdrum routine of a school visit into such an engaging picture book. In rhyming couplets, a boy tells how his class prepares for author Amanda Drake's arrival: reading her books, decorating the room, making lemonade, baking a cake and discussing what questions to ask (and not to ask). The writer makes a terrific impression and motivates the children to write their own stories later. Meanwhile the narrator has made a suggestion to Miss Drake that inspires her next book - "My Special Day in Third Street School" - Starred Review, "Booklist".