–
What a nice surprise to receive a letter and a drawing from Amber in Illinois, who named Wake Me In Spring her favorite book. Illustrator Jeffrey Scherer and I published that one back in 1994 and it’s still one of my favorites, too.
–
–
Amber also included this fabulous drawing . . .
–
I replied . . .
–
Dear Amber,
Did you write that letter all by yourself? My goodness, you must be doing great in school. Keep up the good work!
I’m very glad to hear that you loved Wake Me In Spring. I’ve written many books in my career —- after all, I am as old as dust! —- but Wake Me In Spring, illustrated by Jeffrey Scherer, written 31 years ago, remains one of my favorites. It’s just so nice, that friendship between Bear and Mouse, don’t you think?
When I visit schools, I still love to share that story with young readers. I also love to read my new book, Two Birds and a Moose! You might like it, too. I have another one coming out this summer: Two Ballerinas and a Moose! Ha, ha, ha.
–
–
Thank you, especially, for the fantastic, amazing, stupendous drawing you sent along with the letter. Wow, Amber! You have a ton of talent. Maybe one day I’ll be reading one of your books! That is, I hope you are making up your own stories at home. And if you are not, well, you should!
Happy reading, happy summer, happy birds, happy clouds, happy knees, happy toes, happy bananas, happy everything!
James Preller
P.S. Your real letter is on the way!