Connections Translate to Personal Appearances
October my see many of us heading to pumpkin patches and apple orchards. Author, and creator of Li’l Al Adventures, Paula Helgerson, was on the road. What better way to celebrate National Book Month then to travel? Ms. Helgerson hit the road and journeyed to North Dakota for several school appearances.
Li’l Al stories were introduced to the youngsters in Steele, ND, as well as one school in Bismarck. These were the first public readings of the newest story: “Li’l Al Meets Big Jack.” They liked it! We were welcomed by kindergarten, first grade and preschool classes in Steele. Yes, pumpkins are a fun subject this time of year.
Their school library is enriched now with the donation of “Li’l Al Meets Big Jack.” We shared with the children how old friendships are renewed when you stay in touch with those you met years ago. As it is with my friend, Brenda Eichele, teacher at the Kidder County School. Through her invitation, we structured this road trip to include stopping off at her school.
On to Bismarck, as the road trip moved West across the state. Here we spent a day visiting Martin Luther School. Connection from years ago made this visit possible, too. Andrea Pansegrau is one of the teach aids at his school. An author visit is an excellent way to enrich education; and a children’s author to boot! Several of the preschool teachers heightened the appearance by reading the first two Li’l Al stories to the children in the days leading up to Ms. Helgerson’s visit. The children were excited to actually MEET the person who wrote the stories they had heard! They knew who Li’l Al was when when she arrived.
What fun for them when they saw and heard the NEWEST in the Li’l Al stories! “Now I know a real author,” remarked one little boy as I sat down to read, said our author.
The three preschool classes, the first and second graders all enjoyed a slight diversion to their day. This small school can now boast it has a full set of Li’l Al Adventures stories in it’s library; all signed by the author of course…. More on this road trip to follow.