Doodling through the Doobie Doo (Day Two) of a Bird-Brained Mission. #ReadAcrossAmerica & Sharing Love with Hill Central

illustrated by Kaylani Juanita

It's impossible to say no to two of my favorite educators in Connecticut, Donna Delbasso and Nicole Brown. They practically raised my understanding of literacy in the nutmeg state when we were fortunate to collaborate with Kwame Alexander, Acoustic Rooster and his Barnyard Band, and The Crossover. As a result, we were able to offer two-years of collaborative professional development (and where the school achieved the goals they set for themselves). 

So, when I'm sent an invitation to read a book for K-4 students, followed by another for 5-8 kids, my brain starts to spin. Extending literacy for the older kids is a no-brainer. More Kwame to the rescue, as Becoming Muhammad Ali is still central to my thinking right now. A little newer is the younger readers and yesterday I wrote about Better Midler's new book, but I'm also going to share A House for Every Bird by Megan Maynor with illustrations by Kaylani Juanita. It's a quirky story for a quirky presenter. 

Yesterday, I practiced the books with my undergrads who are taking an extended literacy class, sharing the fact that my house sparrows singing in pre-spring orgasmic glee (mating season is their favorite season) is what prompted birds to be on my mind. They seriously wake me up at 4 a.m. with their happiness and, yesterday, post-class, I actually rescued one trapped in my garage. I went to throw something out when I heard it fluttering to get out by the shut window. I was hoping for some tears of joy from the bird, or at least a handshake that said, "I'll never forget you, Crandall" as I came to the rescue, but all I got was dust. That bird flew out of the garage as fast as it could after I opened the garage door.

So much for heroism. 

But I'm on the bird game today, with back to back readings in schools, followed by evening courses (you have no idea how excited I was to learn that my 10 pm - 11 pm commitment to teach a grad course out West was canceled. Relief is always a pleasure).

Okay, I need to get some birdseed (everything bagel) and take a birdbath (shower) before I put on my beak and feathers. This is my Tuesday, and my goal is to get two hundred bird drawings from some of my favorite kids in the state (inspired by Megan Maynor and Kaylani Juanita, of course). Doodle time.