Tag Archive for Jigsaw Jones

FAN MAIL WEDNESDAY #259: A Fabulous Father-Daughter Follow-Up!

October 25, 2017 / / No comments

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Loyal readers of James Preller Dot Com may remember a terrific letter I shared back in early September. In it, Kayla, age 19, wrote with a special request. Her father’s birthday was coming up and she wanted to surprise him with a signed Jigsaw Jones book. It seems they shared the books during her childhood, had some nice memories, and Kayla thought it would be cool to get one of them autographed. Of course, I was only too happy to send her the new book as a gift — the least I could do. But I also asked, “Can I get a picture?”

Well, we couldn’t spoil the surprise so I had to wait. And wait. And eat chocolate. And wait some more. At long last, two photos arrived with a brief note.

Thank you, Kayla. 

And thank you, most especially, Dad. You look terrific for 86. Must be the clean living.

Happy birthday! I’m so glad I could be a small part of it.

 

Hi Mr. Preller!
It’s me, Kayla again

I just gave my dad your book this weekend for his birthday, and he absolutely LOVED it!

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Thank you a million times over for this wonderful gift, my whole family had a great time reading the books together😊

The first photo is my dad and I after I gave him his book, and the second happens to be a picture we have of my room way back in 2007. Outlined in the picture is my prized Jigsaw Jones collection!

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Thank you again!
– Kayla

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Category: Fan Mail, Jigsaw Jones / Tags: , , ,

FAN MAIL WEDNESDAY #258: Hamsters & 2nd Graders

October 22, 2017 / / 2 comments

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I’m feeling incredibly blessed lately. Every day something good comes my way. I don’t know what to make of it, frankly, or how long it can last, but I’m not taking any of it for granted. Check out this sweet little email I received the other day.

 

Hello,

Attached are some pictures of our hamsters and hamster cages inspired by your book, The Case of Hermie, The Missing Hamster.
My class loved this book and are now enjoying many of your other books.

Rose S____

Second Grade Teacher
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See what I mean?
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This particular title is currently out of print, but it’s nice to see that it’s still loved. Maybe Macmillan will bring it back? What do you think, Liz Szabla? After all, it’s the book that started the series. 
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Category: Fan Mail, Jigsaw Jones / Tags: , , , , ,

Women of NASA Legos

October 18, 2017 / / No comments

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I absolutely love this. Lego is coming out with a new series of characters, “Women of NASA.”

Check the link for more details.

Of course, part of the inspiration for the new Jigsaw Jones, The Case from Outer Space, comes directly from the female astronauts who work at NASA. I’d give more details on that, but don’t want to ruin any of the book’s surprises by including spoilers here.

 

 

 

 

 

The real women pioneers who inspired the Legos.

The real women pioneers who inspired the Legos.

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Category: Jigsaw Jones / Tags: , , , ,

FAN MAIL WEDNESDAY #256: Favorite Characters

October 12, 2017 / / No comments
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Here’s one from Jake in Iowa . . .
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     dear mr. Preller,

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my favrite charecter is bigs malony. And if your wondring i read your book The case of christmas snowman. Also your books are relley good i have read some of your other books. what is it like to be a author? how much time does it take to write chapter books? Because you are good at it. Right now my favorite book out of all yours right now is the case of christmas snowman. How much books have you written?
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Jake 
2nd Grader 

Cedar Rapids, Iowa 

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I replied:

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     Dear Jake,

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I love writing about Bigs Maloney. Every class seems to have that one boy who is the biggest and toughest. That’s Bigs. He might seem scary on the outside, but deep down he’s a really sweet boy. He’s one of my favorite characters in Ms. Gleason’s classroom. I think Joey Pignattano is the funniest. He’ll eat anything!
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A favorite moment from the series, when Jigsaw goes toe-to-toe with Bigs Maloney. Illustration drawn by R.W. Alley.

A favorite moment from the series, when Jigsaw goes toe-to-toe with Bigs Maloney. Illustration drawn by R.W. Alley.

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I love being an author, especially when I receive kind letters like yours. I can write a Jigsaw Jones book in two months. It takes a while to figure out the mystery — to really think about it: the crime, the suspects, the solution — and then I can start writing. Good writing often begins with good thinking.
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My brand-new Jigsaw Jones book is titled The Case from Outer Space and I am super proud of it. The books in the series had been hard to find the past few years, but now I’m a very happy to say that a bunch of them are back in stores and on Amazon. There will be 9 out in all by November. Unfortunately, The Case of the Christmas Snowman is still out of print. Good thing you have a terrific teacher who has an old copy. Give her a big hug for me.
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Thanks for reading my books. Keep it up!
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My best,
 –
James Preller
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Category: Fan Mail, Jigsaw Jones / Tags: , , , , , , ,

FAN MAIL WEDNESDAY #254: In Which I Sign a Book as a Birthday Gift for Dad

September 12, 2017 / / One comment

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Welcome to Fan Mail Wednesday! We’re starting back up after taking it slow over the summer. Nobody reads blogs over the summer. I mean to say, nobody reads blogs, ever. But I persist because I am happy to do it and, hey, somebody might! You’re here, aren’t you?

Right? I mean: Somebody’s here. Hellllllooooo???

Anyway: Here’s a lovely exchange I had with Kayla, an old fan who is searching for the perfect gift . . . for her dear old dad. 

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Hi Mr. Preller!

 
My name is Kayla, and I am from Bloomington, Minnesota. Growing up, my dad and I read your Jigsaw Jones stories every night. Your stories were a huge part of my childhood through elementary school, I collected all of the stories, and they were lined up on my shelf in number order, my most prized possessions. Now I am 19 years old, and I can’t WAIT to bring my collection of all the Jigsaw mysteries to my future classroom with me!
 
I am emailing you specifically to ask about a signed copy of one of your books. My dad and I have some wonderful memories reading Jigsaw together, and I would love to be able to give him an autographed copy of one of the stories for his birthday. I was wondering where I could send my book/stamp to, and how much it would cost for you to sign it.
 
Thank you so, so much for your time! I hope to hear back from you soon.
 
Kayla
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I replied:
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Kayla,
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Thanks for your sweet note.
 
There’s actually a new book out and I’d love to send you a signed copy, my treat. Just give me your address and your father’s name. I’m not awesome at going to the Post Office, but I’ll do my best.
 

JP

And Kayla answered:
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That would be absolutely incredible!

5101AF-k+oL._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_My dad’s name is Bob. If you would be so kind, would you address the mail to my name, as I don’t want him to open it until his birthday:) And my address is ____________, Bloomington MN, 55438
Thank you SO much! My dad is going to be so excited!
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Category: Fan Mail, Jigsaw Jones / Tags: , , , , ,
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