Rob and I just finished a tour of Michigan elementary schools, where we were lucky to see thousands of kids at assemblies during March is Reading Month. What was our . . . Favorite quote from a kid? Favorite costume on a Principal? Favorite decorated doorway? Scroll down to find out.
Laura and Rob lead kids in the hilarious "wildlife filmmakers" oath, preparing them to think like writers and photographers.
Basking shark in the gym! Children walk past a life-sized inflatable shark at the end of their Shark Riddle assembly.
Favorite Costume on a Principal
Everyone, from the Principal to the teachers to the kids, dressed as pirates in honor of our assembly in Owosso, Michigan. In this picture, the Principal is on the right. We had a great time sharing A Pirate's Quest, and how Rob became the one-legged pirate in our story.
Favorite Quotes from Kids
In Bay City, Michigan, Rob asked a second grade boy if he had a favorite shark, since we were doing the assembly about The Shark Riddle. The boy thoughtfully said, "No, I don't have a favorite shark. But I do have a second favorite shark. It's the whale shark."
In Allegan, Michigan, a girl sprinted up to Laura and gave her an excitedly fierce hug. Then the little girl yelled to Laura, "You're my biggest fan!! You're my biggest fan!"
Favorite Ocean Hallway
In honor of The Shark Riddle, this school decorated their hallway like an ocean, complete with sea turtles and sharks and water on the ceiling.
Favorite Theater Burned Down by Arson and Renovated to Be Awesome
We performed in The Lebowsky Center one day, which has the most colorful seats we have ever seen. But the history of this theater was fascinating. It was burned down by an arsonist, basically turned into rubble --- see the painting below showing how it looked. Then the community banded together to rebuild the theater . . . and you have the marvelous place you see now!
The Lebowsky Center's colorful seats, as we waited for hundreds of children to arrive.
Favorite Decorated Door
Rob and I were thrilled to be "official" judges of a school's Decorated Door competition. The school's reading theme was "The Great Outdoors" and the winning class earned a pizza party. We chose this door, inspired by Dr. Seuss's Oh the Places You'll Go. It actually looked like you were walking into a camper as you walked into class.
Favorite Thank You Letter
"Dear Laura and Rob, It made me laugh when you dressed as a pirate. I really liked the part when Rob was crazy! My favorite thing was you." Well shucks, we are so glad we were your favorite thing.
Picture Gallery of Happiness
Scroll through some of our favorite pictures from the tour. We are lucky folks to be able to share our passions with kids, and to have kids share their passions with us. Thanks to all the schools who invited us to be a part of their school year!
