by Moe Zilla

Created on: March 10, 2010

Eve Bunting was 76 years old when she wrote this book, and I had to wonder if its story was autobiographical. ("An author's coming to our school," says the little girl narrating.) And when that author finally arrives, she's a white-haired lady with a kind smile. "Her name is Miss Amanda Drake," notes the little girl, adding "Our teacher's so
excited."

Making this story even more interesting: it rhymes.

"We make a list of questions that we'll ask Amanda Drake.
Our teacher says 'Don't ask her, how much money do you make?'"

The inspired children make origami flowers, decorate the wall with drawings, and even make home-made lemonade and chocolate cake. And they also decide to read every book by her in their public library, which means they end up borrowing fourteen more books because "she's written quite a lot." (In real life, Eve Bunting has written more than 250 children's books, according to Wikipedia.) The teacher writes "Welcome, Amanda Drake" on the big chalk board, and it's hard to stop wondering if Bunting is writing about herself.

"Amanda Drake is tall and thin, Her hair is treaked with pink.
It doesn't sound attractive, but it's nicer than you think."

There's an excitement throughout the story, and it turns out it's based on a real phenomenon. There's a new approach to elementary education using what's called a "teaching artist." A schoolteacher pairs with a professional artist to create lessons that are much more memorable. I've heard teachers who raved about the experience, and many believe it improves the quality of the students' education. Illustrator Suzanne Bloom dedicates the book to both teachers and teachers artists, adding that she's "still in awe of their calling."

I've always wondered about Eve Bunting's working habits, and it's funny that I've finally discovered them in rhyme.  She tells the class that she works every day,
and sometimes on into the night.  But it's especially fun to read a book where one of the main characters actually is a writer, and they're sharing colorful details about their day-to-day life.  "Verbs and nouns and adjectives, words that show and tell. My dictionary's close at hand for words that I can't spell..."


"There's something that I'd like to share because it's truly true.
It doesn't seem like work if you are loving what you do."

And then she cuddles all the children's animals - even the snake in the aquarium - and tells the children she has a pet rat at home. The little girl requests a book about her visit to their school, and in a warm moment, the author winks at the little girl, which makes her feel special.

"My goodness! What a great idea! When I go home, I'll try it.
If I can do a super job, a publisher may buy it!"

Learn more about this author, Moe Zilla.
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