Today was the Author Book Signing portion of Danville’s Storybooks by the Bay exhibit that began today and goes through December 17. The curator asked if she could include four of my books and four illustrations from them are among those to be featured. I wrote the stories and conceived the characters, and Josh McGill illustrated them adding additional ideas and suggestions for each.
I always enjoy interacting with the children and their parents. There was one little boy who no matter which book the mother suggested always immediately said “no” (and there were probably about sixty books on display from various authors and illustrators.) The mother asked if she could borrow my book titled “Clyde and Hoozy Whatzadingle” and try to read it to him. They went to a bench and she read it to him. I was delighted to see one of my books being read by a mommy to a young child. The child loved it and stayed focused on it from the first page through the ending. When they left, he tightly clutched his new book that had a note I wrote to him, and he wore a big smile on his face.
With Love,
Russ
Russ Towne's A Grateful Man 
you could not have a better reviewer or review.
Your comment brought a smile to my face, Beth. Thank you.
Russ
The best reward is another reading your words! Congratulations!
Thank you for the reminder, Quiall. I agree. It’s even better when the reader likes what they’re reading.
Russ
Russ, this is amazing. Congratulations! And thank you for reaching that child with your book. 🙂
Thank you, Colleen. That mother and son each gave to me a special gift and I’m grateful to both of them.
Russ
No yardstick measures your success more accurately than the width of that child’s smile! Thanks for sharing, Russ. Now you’ve got me smiling, too!
When I read your first sentence, it took my breath away and brought tears to my eyes, Jan. Is that something you coined or have you heard it before. I ask because I plan to keep that as a favorite quote and when I use it I want to give credit where credit is do. May I create a post around it?
Russ
What fun! Many smiles for and from the heart, here. ❤
Thank you, Annette.
Russ
The kid’s a critic. A GREAT one. Congratulation. 🙂
LOL! Thank you, Tess. Maybe that’s what he’ll grow up to be. If so, hopefully he’ll fondly remember my book.
Russ
You can always hope. Gotta love that boy.
Yup.
I find this so exciting! First, being part of a book fair – looks like a good one. Is this Danville, CA? I used to visit the town when I lived in Marin County. Congrats on the literary high five from the kid critic. The best.
Thank you. Yes, it’s the beautiful town of Danville, CA.
Russ
Busy town, great weather, and wonderful location. I’m envious. I miss my SF bay home area so much.
I agree about all three. I live about an hour south of Danville in a town called Campbell. My Beloved and I have lived here nearly all lives and plan to die here.
Russ
Now that little one had great taste. congratulations, Russ. This is awesome!
Thank you, Clare. It sure felt good to me.
Russ
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for caring, my friend!
Russ