News, Notes & Inside Info from a Children’s Book Author

Fan Mail Wednesday #147: In Celebration of Children’s Artwork

April 6th, 2012 Posted in Fan Mail

Is there anything better than children’s artwork?

No, there isn’t. There is not.

As evidence to that proposition, I share with you some of the contents of a fat envelope I received from Mrs. Chinchar’s first grade class, after I had visited Lawrence Brook Elementary School, in East Brunswick, NJ. (I think.) I can’t include all the drawings and letters here, but I’m grateful for each one. Below, a few highlights . . .

Okay, my heart just melted.

In her letter, Skye wrote, “I love Spring.” I look at this picture and think, Skye loves life!

Ariana concluded her letter with a P.S. “I love love love writing too!”

Zafir drew a scene from his favorite book, A Pirate’s Guide to First Grade. Move over, Greg Ruth, there’s another illustrator in town . . .

This stubble-faced guy frightens me, frankly. I wouldn’t trust him. Hey, wait a minute — I think that’s me. I recognize the shirt.

Each piece of artwork came with a letter. Here’s one that came from Lucus, on the reverse side of the drawing above. I love hearing from fellow writers who share my love of books and reading. Keep up the great work, Lucas!

Last but not least, I received a spectacular drawing and letter from Alyssa, who really “liket” Hiccups for Elephant and concluded her letter in all caps with an explosion of exclamation marks:

“THANK YOU!!! I LOVE TO WRITE!!!!”

(Sorry, I couldn’t fit the entire, joyous piece on my scanner. It deserves a place on my office wall.)

Last comment: Obviously, Mrs. Chinchar is doing something very, very right in her classroom. Thank you for those beautiful, happy letters.

  1. 4 Responses to “Fan Mail Wednesday #147: In Celebration of Children’s Artwork”

  2. By marie on Apr 7, 2012

    this is amazing…..

    see people like you are a great influence to this world especially with our young ones who will be our future leaders.

    thank you! thank you! thank you! and thank you to our teachers too for helping us parents mold kids into a better individuals…

  3. By Reema on Apr 10, 2012

    Thank you for putting these masterpieces on your blog.I am sure children will feel proud.

    Thank you so very much for coming to our school,and sharing your thoughts on the importance of reading and writing with our children.

  4. By Jennifer on Apr 10, 2012

    Children seem to have loved you coming to the school.

  5. By savana on May 10, 2012

    hi James Preller
    My name is Savana Jackson.I loved your book Bystander.How did you get the idea to write Bystander.Please write back

    love Savana

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