A couple weeks back, I visited Poland Community School to talk to students in K-6. This school holds a special place in my heart, because my two children attended school there.  Many of the students had fabulous questions and connections, some of them camp with me during the summer, some I met for the very first time.

All of them were super, duper nice!  I felt like a rock star.

Just this week, I received a packet of letters from Ms. Conley’s class. Oh, how I loved reading them!!

A few of the letters urged me to write about snakes.  I have jotted this down in my Idea Book . . . can’t you see Cooper and Packrat with one?  I can!

Some other suggestions were for me to write about owls, and dogs.  Hmmmmm- I think Ms. Conley’s students are on to something here!

I love the many pictures they drew, too!

A huge THANK YOU to Ms. Conley’s class!  You’ve made my day a little brighter with your lovely notes!

Just a couple days ago, I was lakeside, when suddenly, the female eagle cried out several times.  I looked up, down, and all around, but I couldn’t see anything more than a lone goose, swimming along in front of their island.

Then she stopped and looked up expectantly.

And I saw him, in the distance. He circled and circled and circled the nest, eventually coming in for a landing.

He stood watch while she ate and cared for the eaglets.

I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating . . . eagles are great parents!

Today was the day Mrs. Shanning and I had set aside for our students to vote.

Not for their favorite ice cream.

Not even for Class President!

But for something waaaaay more important . . .

to choose the winners of the Cooper and Packrat Book Trailer Contest!

Mrs. Shanning and I went over the expectations first, reminding our students of their own book trailer projects  and keynote presentations; the work, thoughtful creativity and time that goes into getting just the right images and messages across, without having too long a video.

And of course, it had to be original and fun!

Then we reviewed the rules about copyrighted material, making sure to ask permission if need be, listing sources, and making sure the entries had the author, illustrator and publisher’s name within them.

Then we watched.

Discussed.

And watched again.

Our students then voted. And I must say, many of them said it was a very, very hard decision. Each and every entry was amazing in its own way. Having made book trailers themselves, they knew the hard work and thoughtfulness that went into them.  Bravo!!!

Now . . .

Without further ado . ..

Here are our winners!

Drum Roll Please!!

Third Place -(There was a tie!)

Mrs. Richard’s Group 2 and Group 3

4th grade students at Rumford Elementary School

Rumford, Maine

3rd Prize: A wildlife calendar signed by the author (to each group)

Second Place

Mrs. Richard’s Group 1

4th grade students at Rumford Elementary School

Rumford, Maine.

2nd Prize: 1 copy of Mystery of the Missing Fox
and a wildlife calendar signed by the author

First Place

Mrs. Graffam’s 4th grade class

Hebron Station School, Hebron, Maine

1st Prize: A classroom set (15 copies) of Mystery of the Missing Fox
and a wildlife calendar signed by the author

Congratulations to all the winners from me, Mrs. Shanning, and our 7th and 8th grade students!

Now excuse me, as I go back to watch them all again!

I was staring out my back window, sipping coffee, when an adult fox wandered through our campground maintenance area.  I set my coffee cup down so hard, liquid sloshed over the sides onto the table.

“Quick! I need my camera! Where’d I put it?” I cried, running from the campground desk to my writing closet and back again.

“I didn’t have it last,” my husband teased. He never has it, actually.

Eventually I found the camera, and sighed with relief to find the fox still there. Which in itself was a little surprising, because we don’t see them often and when we do, they’re passing through.

Turns out, this one was doing more than passing through.

It was collecting a cache.  Stored food – hidden days, weeks or even months before.

I slowly, slowly, slowly, opened my window, which was three stories up from the fox’s location.   It looked up, but when I stilled, it went right back to searching.

Eventually, it found its prize and pulled it from the earth.

Then chomped on it for awhile.

I took photo after photo after photo!  It was gorgeous. And a learning experience for me.   I’d written about foxes and their caches in Mystery of the Missing Fox, but had never seen it first-hand.

More importantly, I believe its being so close to the house, is that perhaps the kits have been born.  My trail camera should show me in mid-April, when the first kit emerges from the den into the sunlight.

Once the cache was eaten, this adult didn’t stay long.

It continued on its way, back toward the den.

I’m so glad I saw it, when I did.

On Monday, I visited Hebron Station School, and as I walked in the front doors, I was met by this wall mural . . . and I knew I was in the right place.

Honestly, don’t you just want to live here?

Cindy Petherbridge, the District Elementary Librarian, met me and we set up my equipment for my talk with K through  6th grade. Having a little time to spare, she asked if I’d like to see the library. I think I may have done a little happy dance. I just LOVE peeking into libraries.

And it just so happens I love turtles, too!  Isn’t this one adorable?!!  Cindy said it was made by a local artist for their school.

I want one.

As the Hebron Station students ate their breakfast, I talked to them about the inspiration behind Cooper and Packrat’s adventures.  We talked about camping, hiking, kayaking and how my photography is my research tool.

We talked about the behavior I’ve seen first hand ~ of loons, eagles, foxes, turtles and the subject of Cooper’s fourth adventure – bears.

They were an amazing audience with great connections and questions.  The ooooohed and aaaaahed at all the right moments.  I had so much fun answering their questions.

After my presentation, we talked to 4th, 5th and 6th graders about Cooper and Packrat’s  Book Trailer Contest (open to all teachers and librarians, BTW)  You can find out more about it here.  

As I was packing up my equipment, students wandered over to talk to me about the contest. I reminded each one, they had my permission to use any and all photos on my website for this project.  Some students talked to me about their own photographs, which would be even better!  What amazing ideas they shared!

Over the next few days, Cindy and her colleagues will use this opportunity to put together a Book Trailer Boot Camp to teach students about copyright issues and how to use copyright free images in their creative works.  Then the students will start brainstorming a plan . . . a script . . . and a book trailer.

I can’t wait to see what they create!

From the time I was a student myself, and through the twenty five years my children have attended school, I’ve always admired teachers and librarians.  Working as an Ed Tech these last five years has only made me love them more.  They put so much of themselves into their classrooms, their lesson plans and their relationships with students and peers. They quite often work late, and go into their classrooms on the weekends because it’s quieter then and they can accomplish more. They chaperon dances because their students ask them to. Teachers and librarians wipe tears, advise on friendships and counsel on “dating”.  They create a writing club, coding club, guitar club, or sewing club, and give up their lunch time to oversee it . . . all because there seems to be an interest.

Me on the left and my best friend Holly, in sewing club.

Me on the left and Holly, learning to sew.

Sometimes, it’s the little things that impress me most, how they’ll personally buy books, paper, staples, or pencils for their room, because the budget has been frozen.  And no, pencils aren’t expensive.  Unless you go through 5 packs of 50 every three days.

More than anything, my author self enjoys meeting educators on their own turf, in their element, within their classrooms and libraries. I learn something new every time. Get inspired every time. Make new friends every time. And I always hope that I too, give back something every time.

But alas, the duties of my campground and my own teaching job, keep me from getting out into the educational world as much as I’d like.  Even finding time to post on Facebook and Twitter can be challenging, especially if I want to get some writing done!  I’m blessed to teach in a district which encourages me accept a few school visit invitations each year, and I take advantage of that. But I also don’t want to be away from my own students too often. They may be middle-schoolers, and they don’t often show it outright, but they miss me when I’m away.

Truth be told, I miss them, too.

So, I’m constantly searching for new and fun ways to connect with my readers and to support the educators who support them, without having to leave the classroom too often.  And if I can include my own students and  school in the process, it’s a win-win!

Recently, when Shannon introduced a book trailer project to our students, and we realized how much they were learning from the process, we had an ah-ha moment.  What if we created a contest using book trailers?  What if we tied it into the release of Cooper and Packrat’s third adventure?  What if our students were judges?

And knowing how valuable books are to educators, what if the winning classroom received a set of Mystery of the Missing Fox? 

I’ve created a special page for Cooper and Packrat’s Book Trailer Contest –  so we could keep all comments and FAQ in one place. Islandport Press, Shannon, and I hope you’ll enter for a chance to win a classroom set of Mystery of the Missing Fox. 

We can’t wait to see what you come up with.

I had such an amazing time with Buxton Elementary’s 3rd grade classes last Friday!  I was going to Skype with them for Read Aloud Week, but instead surprised them with an in-person visit. Hearing their gasp of surprise . . . Priceless!

I brought photos to show the inspiration behind the book . . . photos of the campground, loons, eagles, foxes and the animal I’ll weave into book four.

And then I read Chapter 1 of Mystery of the Missing Fox.

Connecting with readers is one of the most important jobs I have.  I only wish I had more time to do it!

I bought this super, cool Seuss t-shirt for two of the three events I have next week.

One is on Saturday March 5th ~ a DR. SEUSS BREAKFAST & CHILDREN’S BOOK FAIR in Oxford, Maine, which is being held in honor of Read Across America Week.

I’m the guest author and will read from my books and my favorite Dr. Seuss books, throughout the event. Reading aloud is one of my very favorite things to do!! I’ll have my wildlife photos on display and my books for sale, too.

At Whittier Middle School, I get to be a part of great things.  Recently, Mrs. Shanning’s class and I connected with Ms. Loy’s Kansas Classroom during a Skype visit.  We gave them all kinds of facts about Maine, as they were about to launch into Cooper and Packrat’s  Mystery on Pine Lake  adventure.

We sent some postcards and a calendar with Maine animals to help them connect to the story . . .

and our beautiful state.

And this week, we’re connecting again!  Through www.edu.buncee.com, we’re making Virtual Valentine’s with a camping and nature theme!  Oh my goodness, they’re so much fun . . . I quickly became addicted.  You start with a background picture from their stock, or upload your own (I used my own photographs of the campground).  Then you add text, stickers, audio, and animation. Pretty cool!

Here are two of the Valentines we received from the class. Each student was assigned one of our students and vice versa.

Check out the foxes!  And the tents!  Those campfires?  They flicker!  The hearts?  Float on the wind.

Technology in education is amazing!  Our students have learned so much by connecting with the students in Kansas .  . . their small world is growing leaps and bounds!

I had a chuckle today, when this nuthatch showed up at the Snowman’s photo shoot.

I thought he’d be great addition to the Snowman’s friends.  But, alas, he pecked on the poor guy’s head.

He stomped his feet, kinda like, “Hellooooo?  Anybody in there?”

Then he eyed Snowman’s little friend.

Eventually, he saw the seed.

But in his greediness, he slipped and fell!

It scared him so much, he took to flight . . .

and our poor friend, the snowman . . .

just fell apart.

That nuthatch was NOT a very nice friend!

Sometimes I like play in the snow, when I’m stuck in writing my manuscript.

It helps me think.

And this winter, I’ve taken to making little snowman friends for my bird friends.

I think they get along famously.

The birds seem to like dinner anyway. Although they seem to think it’s take out.

But they always come back to visit.

And they bring new friends with them.

I’m sure I’ll be stuck more than once this winter.  It happens to all writers, especially in first drafts. Feeding the birds, watching and waiting for them to show up, is another way I clear my mind so I can think clearly and work out all the kinks and dead ends in my story.

But I have new friends to help me get unstuck now. This is going to be a fun winter with the camera!

And here are the cardinal pictures I’d taken at Cindy’s house during the writing retreat. You should have seen me! Sitting *under* a high top table, camera sticking out a slightly open window, while Mona and Cynthia typed away (Cindy directly over me!)

But you see, Wildlife photography is a big part of my writing process. Not only does it give  me the hands-on research I need in the manuscript, but when I get stuck, really stuck, sitting quietly with the camera in the woods or in this case, under a table!) is a way to move away from the words, quiet my mind, and to really listen to what my main character has to say.

So imagine this – it’s a gray, gray Saturday. But I’m lucky enough to be sitting inside a warm, sunshiny colored room, writing away with friends, Cindy and Mona. Around three o’clock, we all sat back and commented on what a great session it was. I personally added about 2300 words to my first draft!  I was satisfied.  I’d done what I’d come to do, gaining momentum on the first draft of a new story . .. . aaaaand gotten some face-to-face time with two of my favorite writers.

Noticing that I’d brought my camera with the big lens with me (I never go anywhere without it), Cindy asked if I wanted to go find the Snowy Owl.

“Nah,” I replied, looking out the window.  “It’s gray. It’s spitting rain. I’m not experienced enough to have had much luck with gray day photography -”

“Let’s go,” Mona said, jumping up. “I love gray day photography!”   Her enthusiasm is always so catchy!  The next thing I know, we’re all piling in the car and driving to the spot where Cindy and her daughter had spied the beautiful raptor a couple weeks before.

Now, I have a confession to make.  Whenever I encounter wildlife, or a beautiful setting unexpectedly, I get teary.  The first time I saw triplet eaglets . . . my first loon chick . .. fox kits . . . a gorgeous full moon rising up through a purple sunset sky . . . .

Very geeky of me, I know, but I do.

This time was no exception. As we neared the location, Mona gasped and said, “Look!”

My eyes filled, to see this magnificent creature fluffing up and preening at the top of a light post.

We slowly and quietly got out of the car and the Snowy Owl glanced our way with it’s yellow eyes.

Another photographer came to introduce himself to us and told us how he’d come and found this Snowy Owl perched in the middle of the field. Right before we’d arrived, it had flown toward him to perch on the light post in the middle of the parking lot.

I’d like to think it knew we were coming.  Okay, that’s impossible, I know.  But the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. We spent close to an hour standing there, ooohing and aaaahing. I snapped photo after photo, hoping I’d be able to capture it’s beauty.

I’m so glad I have friends who are willing to push me to try . . . not letting me listen to my own doubts. This Snowy Owl was a wonder to behold.

And as it turns out, I did get some pretty good photos. Gray day and all.

Last October, before the Gray Wildlife Park could close, I called and arranged for a Photographer’s Pass.  This, they assured me, would allow me behind the scenes to see the black bears, up close and personal.

I wasn’t exactly prepared for how “up close and personal” it was!

And I was thrilled!

Red sniffing a piece of apple, one of his favorite treats

The Black Bears have an amazing habitat, where viewers stand up high to look down on them as they wander, sleep, or even take a swim. The bears, in fact all the animals at the park, were injured or were raised to be human dependent and can no longer be released back into the wild. Instead, the game wardens care for them, and in return, the animals help to educate the public on wildlife awareness and conservation.

When the apples are gone, he licks the hand of Jade.

By getting the behind the scenes pass, I hoped I’d really be able to see them, hear their footsteps and their snuffling . . . .

. . . or watch them try to open a gate, hoping for one more piece of apple!

Look at the size of that paw!

Jade was a fabulous guide, listening to my reasons for being in the park, letting me ask questions and even helping me brainstorm a scene in Book 4!   Below, she’s trying to get Red to stand up, so I could “feel” the sheer size of him.

Here are Red (Left) and Susie (Right) together. They are both Black Bears, although Red’s fur does have a reddish tint to it. (Hence his name!)

Some might mistake him for a grizzly because of that tint to his fur, but Black Bears have a white muzzle. Which gives him away.

Both bears were “bulked up”, having gained weight for their hibernation. I’m looking forward to seeing them in the Spring when they wake up.  I think a season pass might be in order this summer!

I love lakes too, dear Jonathan!

(reprinted with permission)

I will be selling my wildlife calendars and notebooks through the Holiday Season for as long as supplies last.

In the past, I’ve used them for hostess and teacher gifts.  I’ve given the notebooks to kids with Storycubes or a writing prompt book.  Here are some pictures of the items I test printed.

Notebooks with line pages $15.00

Desk Calendars 8″ x 3″ $12.00

Wall Calendars 8×5″ x 11″ $17.00

The photos in both style calendars are as follows:

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

I’m also ordering 5.5″ x 4″  notecards, blank inside, with the bear, hummingbird, fox, eagle, and loon with chick, photos.  The price for 10 (2 of each image) will be $15.00.  Envelopes included.

For shipping, add $3.50.

To place an order:

1. Leave the Item(s), and number ordering in the comments below with your name only.
2. Tally your total due, remember to include shipping.  For more than 5 items shipping may be more.
3. I will reply to your comment when I’ve received payment and mailed your items, so you can expect delivery. Let me know if  you have any questions. And thank you for your orders!

Last Friday, I was honored to be the guest author at Albert S. Hall School’s Literacy Breakfast in Waterville, Maine.  My talk – the inspiration behind the series.  My hope –  that students would learn they could find inspiration too, just outside their front doors.

When I arrived at 7am, I was eager to meet Jen Allen, my contact for the event. We’d been chatting back and forth for months, in anticipation of my visit. She introduced me to Anne Smith, Librarian and Barbara Jordan, Principal.  I wish I’d thought to get a photo of the three of us, because I truly enjoyed meeting them.

As I entered the cafeteria to set up for my talk, this amazing collage greeted me

Each piece was created by the students with die-cut shapes as their base

Packrat and his coat of many pockets

Bathroom cleaning plays a big part in Mystery of Pine Lake

The dump truck doing the trash run. Love the trash bags!

Loons, eggs and Ant Island! :)

Look at all the little details! A lot of thought went into this!  And I couldn’t stop bragging about it all weekend long.

I wish I’d taken a photo of the food table, too.  If I hadn’t of had butterflies in my belly over having to talk to fifty families, I would have filled a plate myself.

Families slowly wandered in as I set up, and before I knew it the cafeteria was full and Barbara was introducing me.

I showed photos of loons and foxes for books 1 and 3, but I was especially excited to show the inspiration behind Mystery of the Eagle’s Nest; our nesting eagles, geocaching, the Grafton Notch box canyon and my campground, too.

Because all fifty families who attended, received a free  hardcover copy along with a literacy folder that held among other things, a beautiful, empty writing journal.

I was a little envious of that writing journal, truth be told.

Once I finished speaking, I was ushered in the “back door” to the library, to find a a line of students waiting for me to sign their books. Meeting each one individually, really warmed my heart.

As I drove back to Whittier Middle School, to my own students, I reflected on the many positive interactions I’d had in my short hour and a half there. Above them all, was one I felt illustrated exactly what Jen, Barbara, Anne and the rest of the staff at Albert S. Hall School had worked so hard to accomplish.

I’d just finished signing the book of a 4th grade boy, when he looked down at it as if he didn’t quite know what to do next. Turning to another student, he asked, “Can I take it home?”
His friend said,  “Yeah. It’s yours.”
“It is?” he gazed down at it in wonder.
“Uh-huh.”
He smiled, turning that book over and over his hands. I don’t think I’ll ever forget his look.

Albert S. Hall School, you’re creating book lovers, one book at a time. Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of that.

Every year, I look forward to hosting my writer’s group to a working weekend here at Poland Spring Campground.  Fall is the time when I transition from primarily working on campground “stuff” to digging into writing projects.  So meeting with other writers, sharing in their celebrations, hearing their struggles, brainstorming ideas and projects . . . it helps to motivate and inspire me.  Spur me forward.

This year, I’m especially excited to share photos of the weekend with my students, because the critique circle, and its rules, are something Shannon and I have used in the classroom  with great success.  Knowing “real writers” use this method to give feedback on their work, makes the students more willing to share and trust in the classroom circle, too.

Bottom of the circle, clockwise: Jeanne Bracken, Denise Ortakales, Mary Morton Cowan, Anna Jordan, Joyce Johnson, Nancy Cooper, Mona Pease, Meg Frazer Blakemore, Val Giogas, Andrea Tompa, Laura Hamor.

The authors and I worked hard, beginning at 8:30 with a “What’s New With You” whip around.  Joining us this Fall, was our visiting editor Andrea Tompa from Candlewick Press. Each author has 20 minutes of time and everyone contributes to the feedback. Once  again, I’m humbled and grateful for the in-person comments, support and loving-nudging that flew around the circle.

We have writers and illustrators, non-fiction and fiction, with picture book, middle grade, historical fiction, and Young Adult manuscripts in various stages.  Some of us are published, some are very close. The projects read this year were absolutely fascinating!

I’m most excited to bring back to the classroom, a picture book dummy from Laura. It’ll be a great tool, when we start our graphic novel unit.

We worked hard, breaking every so often for movement.  And of course, lunch.  By 2:30 we were onto a Q & A with Andrea about the industry.  And by 4:00, it was time to take a walk, kayak or read under the trees, before gathering again for supper.

Top: Laura, Anna, Denise, Nancy Middle: Mary, Val, Joyce Bottom: Meg, Mona, Me, Andrea, Jeanne

And this morning, those of us who stayed the night, met for coffee in the office and decided to go for a quick early morning kayak ride .  . .

In the rain, of course.

The rain passed.  Loons flew directly overhead, so close we heard their wings cutting through the air.  Still other loons called back and forth from area lakes, chorus style.  And eagle flew down the shoreline. The sun came out.  The wind picked up.  We headed back.

Now six of us are left here at the campground, working, writing, revising.  Inspired by each other to keep doing what we love.  Driven to put the perfect words, in the perfect order, to write the story we were meant to write.

And tomorrow, I’ll share all this with my students.

Then ask them to do the same.

Today, I took all the names, of all the teachers and librarians who entered the contest, and brought them to my classroom.  Mrs. Shanning was nice enough to let me hijack some of our Writing Block time so our students could help me choose the winner of the Cooper and Packrat Classroom Package.

First, I explained what the contest was all about  – why a paperback is so important and why authors celebrate the release of it.  They enjoyed reading all the entries from teachers and librarians; laughing at the antics of monkeys and skunks, marveling over the descriptions of moose, fox and bear being seen up close and personal.

Then we took our Star Writer-of-the-day and gave her a Packrat-like  vest-of-many-pockets. Pockets on the outside. Pockets on the inside.  Pockets on the backs and sides.

Then we took all the folded up entries and shook them up in chest.

One by one, each of our nine students picked a random name, unknown to them, and put it in a pocket of the vest.

And Shannon too . . .

And the students gave a drum roll . ..

As the Star Writer, pulled a name from one of the pockets.

She unfolded it . . .

Aaaaaaand .  . .

The winner is . . . .

Lori Hannon-Theaker!!  Librarian Specialist at Perryville Elementary School!

From Islandport Press and I, Congratulations Lori!!

I truly enjoyed each and every story, telling them over and over again to anyone who’d listen. Thank you all so much for sharing!!

In honor of wonderful educators everywhere, Islandport Press and I are running a  special contest for teachers and librarians!

For as long as I can remember, teachers and librarians have played a major role in my life by encouraging, nurturing, and gently pushing me out of my comfort zone to try new things. From my hometown librarian who recommended Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret, to the sixth grade teacher who built a library of our stories and made us feel published, to a high school English teacher who encouraged me to proudly belt out a Bye Bye Birdie song on stage (even though I couldn’t sing a note to save my life), and so many more, these teachers and librarians will always be close to my heart.

In the past few years, I’ve met many more educators that I admire, some on-line and others in person at conferences and book signings for Cooper and Packrat. Also, as a teacher assistant at Whittier Middle School, I work with some brilliant educators and I’m learning so much. Times may have changed in the last *ahem* 35ish years, what with technology and all, but teachers and librarians haven’t. They still give daily to their classrooms and communities; monetarily, personally, and most of all, from the heart – seeing their students as people, not just a job.

In honor of all the educators from my past and present who give so freely, and with the help of my publisher Islandport Press, we’re giving away a Cooper and Packrat Package: a classroom set of 20 Mystery on Pine Lake paperbacks, a hardcover copy, and a half-hour Skype visit.

Entering the contest is simple, teachers and librarians only need leave a comment on this blog post, telling their name, school, and favorite wildlife encounter. Let Islandport and I know that you’ve spread the word about the contest on Facebook or Twitter, and we’ll enter your name twice.

Not an educator? Please tell your favorite teacher or librarian about it!

The deadline to enter is midnight, September 17^th. I’ll ask one of my little campers to draw a name on the 18^th , the release day for Cooper and Packrat’s first paperback, Mystery on Pine Lake!

 Thank you educators, for all you do! Islandport Press and I know firsthand, that kids everywhere appreciate you more than you know.

I just received exciting news! The paperback edition of Mystery on Pine Lake, will be released September 18th!!

Just in time for back to school!!

I’m going to have a contest for teachers and librarians surrounding the release date. Check back in September for the details.

Also in time for back to school, I’ve added a Teaching Guide for Mystery of the Eagle’s Nest.   Developed by Shannon Shanning, Maine’s 2013 Teacher Of The Year, it was tested in the classroom on her students.  We warned them they’d be guinea pigs . . . so they were honest with us about the lessons.  It was a great collaborative effort!

Shannon and I love to receive feedback, so please let us know if you use the guide.  You’ll find additional projects and ideas on my Pintrest Page, as well as on Twitter.

Have a great 2015-2016 School Year!!

Paula Boyce and I

Back on June 3rd, I visited Lake Region’s After School book club. Paula had contacted me to say they’d just finished reading Mystery of Pine Lake, and could I share the inspiration behind the series?

Could I?  It’s my favorite presentation to give!

The students were so excited to see my loon and eagle photos.  But I was more excited to hear their wildlife stories . . . the foxes, loons and eagles they’d seen. We all had great connections and stories to tell.  The time flew by so quickly!!

I signed all their hardcover books . . . as we nibbled on a special s’more trail mix made with a graham cracker cereal, chocolate chips, and mini-marshmallows. It was quite yummy!  I’ll have to remember that recipe for our Sunday Morning Storytime at the campground. I’m sure Maxwell Moose would love it.

I forgot to ask how many books they read in a year, but I do know they finished the graphic novel “Lies In the Dust” before starting Pine Lake.   Paula had heard about it through Shannon and I, as we taught it in our classroom.

One of the readers mentioned how Mystery of Pine Lake  was outside they’re normal reading comfort zone.  “I was a little worried when we started it.. But I really, really enjoyed it!”   That praise, and the student’s honesty, filled my heart.

I shared my writing process with them too, mentioning how Book 3, Mystery of the Missing Fox, was with my editor at that very moment and I was waiting for my editorial notes.  “You still have to make changes and stuff? Even though it’s your third one?”

“Oh yes, yes I do.” I replied.  “It always takes a ton of rewrites to make a story better.”

He nodded solemnly, nibbling on the s’more trail mix. I swear I saw wheels turning in his head.

Many in the group were writers themselves, and I was able to hear about their current projects.  I really enjoyed spending time with this group of readers!

Thanks for having me Lake Region!

The manuscript for Mystery of the Missing Fox might be in my editors hands for review, bu that doesn’t mean the research stops.  Especially when it involves fox kits.

There are five in all, from what I can tell.  I sit in the woods, 100 feet from the den.  And at first, they stare at me, trying to figure if I’m friend or foe.

When I don’t move closer or make any noise, they relax a bit.  But they always know exactly where I am.

Once they feel safe again, the research and fun starts, and I raise my camera.

At first, the kits approach their brothers and sisters very innocently.

They might even give a friendly hey-you-sleeping tap of the paw.

And the next thing you know, they’re nibbling each others ears!  Or feet. Or tail.

They roll around on the ground, no noise, no squeaks or growls that I can hear.  Which is good, since their mother isn’t in the area to protect them from predators.  (She was either out hunting, or watching me, watch her kits)

Just when one kit seems to be getting the best of their sibling, a third comes to the rescue!

When the play has wound down, the kits curl up together. No hard feelings on either side. That’s my cue to go.

I hope the best for this year’s litter.

Stay safe little ones.

Sorry it took so long to post the winners, but the campground store was hopping busy today!  After the long, long winter, it felt awesome to have so many campers and readers in the building.

First, I’d like to say how much I loved reading all the camping memories you posted.  Each one was unique and from the heart. Thank you for posting and playing.

I took all the names, wrote them on scraps of paper and tucked them randomly into the pockets of my coat. It doesn’t have as many pockets as Packrat’s, but there were eight to choose from.

Then I waited for just the right contest pickers to come into the office. Eventually, two young men arrived, one of them telling me how much he loved both my books, and how he’d bought one yesterday. “You did?” I exclaimed.  “I can sign it for you, if you do me a favor.”  I winked at him.

“Sure!” he said.

I explained the rules of the contest, and what I’d done with the names.  “I need you each to chose one,” I said.

The first young man chose a pocket from the right side of my  coat.

The second young man, chose one from the left side.

Linda Gray and Kim Campbell, you’ve each one a set of Cooper and Packrat books!  I’ll need to get your addresses to mail them. My e-mail address is on the contact page.

Congratulations!!

Yesterday, as I walked the red-blazed trail through the campground and along the shoreline of Lower Range Pond, I looked out over the water and gasped!

My loons were back!

The ice had only been out for a day!  Somehow, they always manage to time it perfectly.

The pair called back and forth, location calls.  My eyes got teary hearing them, I hadn’t realized just how much I’d missed it.

Whenever their call rings out, people stop what they’re doing to turn toward the sound.

Hopefully, we’ll have a successful nesting season this year, as the last two years did not yield chicks. ( If you click on the Random Loon Tag on the right of this post, you’ll find the blog posts describing why.)

I should be revising, channeling fox kits for book three, as the Mystery of the Missing Fox  is due to my editor next month.  But the sun has just poked its way through the clouds and I cannot resist going down to the lake to find these gorgeous birds and to hear their call again.

The manuscript will be there when I get back.