Being terrified has never been more fun!  Adam Gidwitz, author of A Tale Dark and Grimm visited Foote School and spoke to our 5th, 6th and 7th graders on March 3. Funny and engaging, Adam entertained our students with a reading from his extraordinary first novel.

In A Tale Dark and Grim, Gidwitz reworks the Grimm Brothers’ tale of Hansel and Gretel. By infusing humor and creativity into the tale just when the reader is sure Hansel and Gretel are doomed, Gidwitz skillfully breaks the tension and keeps his readers turning page after page.

Gidwitz explained to our students that when he was younger he was not always writing, but he was always using his imagination.  Whether he was playing with his GI Joe figures or shooting baskets, Gidwitz would enhance the action with stories.  The students loved hearing stories about Gidwitz’s childhood and his experiences as a teacher in Brooklyn. Before leaving, Gidwitz answered wonderful questions and encouraged our students to take a look at the original Grimms’ tales.  Everyone was thrilled to learn that Gidwitz is already hard at work on his next book, also based on the Grimm Brothers’ tales.  Be afraid. Be very afraid…

Author/illustrator and proud Foote alum Elisha Cooper returned to Foote School last Wednesday to talk about his latest projects, answer questions, inspire our students and even play a little touch football.  Elisha started his day by meeting with the entire 4th grade.  Elisha described to the students how he and his editor were walking in New York City when they decided that a picture book about a farm was to be his next project.  The 4th graders in turn asked Elisha wonderful questions about the process of writing and illustrating Farm.

In the evening, the gym filled with students and parents eager to watch Elisha draw and to learn some of his illustration techniques.  Students grabbed paper and pencils and followed along as Elisha drew penguins, hippos, alligators, and more.  Elisha even drew wonderful illustrations of Mrs. Maoz and Mr. Turner.  After the PTC dished up some pizza and ice cream, Elisha graciously signed books and drew personalized pictures for many students.  Elisha’s fabulous visit to Foote was the perfect culmination to an excellent Book Fair.

Please check out this wonderful review of Farm that was posted on the School Library Journal last Friday.