The Day Eddie Met the Author [Hardcover]

Louise Borden (Author), Adam Gustavson (Author)

Book Description

It would be the most exciting day of the whole school year! A real author was coming to talk at Eddie's school. To get ready for the day, Eddie and his third-grade classmates had been reading, reading, reading. In every one of the author's books, Eddie had found a part that seemed just for him. "How does the author do that?" he asked his teacher. "That's a great question," the teacher said. "You'll have to ask the author." Eddie wondered if the stories he wrote could ever be like a real author's

At last the day comes. Eddie's class files into the gym, and there is the author, testing the microphone. The assembly period whizzes by while the author talks. Will Eddie have a chance to ask his important question when she finishes?

Louise Borden visits many schools, and her own experiences provide a rich background for this delightful story of a small boy and what happens when he meets a real author. Just-right illustrations in full color enrich a book that will speak directly to young readers everywhere.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

K-Gr 4-All of the kids in Riverside Elementary School are excited about Tuesday, October 10th because that is the day when a real author is coming. Nobody is more excited than Eddie Lewis, whose teacher has done an excellent job of preparing her third graders for the visit. Mrs. Morrow "loved how real authors made the words flow, and how the words sounded just right, and went with pictures in their own way." Eddie thinks about what he wants to ask the guest and finally decides on: "How do you write books that have parts meant for me?" Anticipation builds, the big day arrives, the author speaks and asks for questions, but time runs out before Eddie gets his turn. The problem is resolved, however, when the guest gives him special attention and responds to him: "Eddie, if you write about parts of yourself, I bet your reader will have some of those parts, too." Borden draws upon her vast experience as a visiting author to create a story that is both enjoyable to read but also gently instructive about how to prepare for such a visit. Gustavson's watercolor illustrations capture the boy's emotions well and offer varied perspectives. The double-page spread of individual children asking their questions is particularly well done. Whether or not a school is able to sponsor a visiting author, this book conveys the value of those who write for children.-Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 2-4. The title says it all. Third-grader Eddie and the rest of the school are expecting a visit from an author, Ms. Morrow, and Eddie has a special question he is anxious to ask: "How do you write books that have parts meant for me?" Ms. Morrow talks about what it is like to be a writer, and she answers all sorts of questions: How old are you? Where do you get your ideas? But to his great disappointment, Eddie doesn't get called on. Later, clutching his question, Eddie almost bumps into Ms. Morrow, who has recognized him from the audience and knows he has something to ask. Ms. Morrow's thoughtful reply is this: if you write about parts of yourself, your reader will have some of those parts, too. Adam Gustavson's watercolor illustrations bring an enjoyable reality to a text that is also rooted in what kids feel. This honesty and appreciation for the power of writing will resonate even with children who don't have authors come to speak. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books (May 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689834055
• ISBN-13: 978-0689834059
• Product Dimensions: 0.2 x 7.5 x 9.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,838,435 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Born (Oct 30,1949) and raised in Cincinnati, I have lived in Ohio my entire life except for two years in Massachusetts right after I was married. Growing up in an old house on a steep street, I attended a small elementary school called Lotspeich. There, all the marvelous shelves of books in the library shaped me into a lifelong reader. So it is a thrill for me to know that some of my books are being read by children in other libraries all over the country.

Before I became a full-time writer and speaker, I taught preschoolers and first graders and was even a part-owner of a bookstore in Cincinnati.

Today, it is hard for me to separate my writing from the way I live my life. My own family, personal experiences, and friendships, as well as a love of history and travel, have rich and lasting connections to the books I write. The first impulse to write a book is always triggered by something that has touched me indelibly.

In addition to my writing, my work in schools allows me to travel the incredible variety of landscape in Ohio, and meet the heart of its people. I have spoken in over 400 schools across the country, but mostly in Ohio. Because of this, I now have lifelong friends in communities from mighty Cleveland to small-town Greenville.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A nice story for any age, October 20, 2004

By 

Corinne H. Smith (Athol, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Day Eddie Met the Author (Hardcover)

Third-grader Eddie Lewis and the other students at Riverside Elementary School are eagerly preparing for October 10th, when "a real author" will be visiting the school. Eddie likes to both read and write. His teacher encourages him by saying, "We are all authors with important stories inside us." Each child has prepared a question for the author. Eddie's question is: "How do you write books that have parts meant for me?" But during the author's presentation, Eddie doesn't get a chance to ask his question. The author sees him afterward and makes a special effort to talk with him and give him a chance to pose his question in person. Eddie is awed by the experience, and he intends to write about it.

While the identity of "The Author" is kept anonymous throughout the text -- a technique that lends even *more* mystique to the specialness of her appearance -- this book is obviously an autobiographical story for Borden and is based on her own school visits. The narration is told in such a way that the reader's anticipation builds just like it would if we were looking forward to meeting a celebrity ourselves. We've all been there. Even adults become nervous and tongue-tied when faced with speaking to someone they admire and respect. Thus does this book transcend audience level. We can *all* relate to Eddie's situation.

Adam Gustavson's realistic paintings add greatly to the story. They convey freeze-frames of realistic emotion from every character, especially of Eddie and The Author.

This title is certainly useful for preparing elementary students for author visits. Secondarily, it's highly recommended for aspiring writers of *any* age who seek advice from "a real author."

4 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing illustrations !!, April 14, 2001

By 

rich silivanch (Jersey City, NJ United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Day Eddie Met the Author (Hardcover)

Another fabulous book illustrated by one of todays top childrens book artists. Can't wait to see his next book !