I love doing author readings to youngsters in schools, libraries, and elsewhere. They’re fun and I’m delighted to experience the reactions of the children and adults to my creations. Such adventures often yield surprises. I had two amazing surprises the same day this week when reading to two classes of children at an elementary school.
The first was when a teacher told me of an incident when she read my early chapter book Sir Alex Sleighs a Dragon to her class of preschoolers. With the relatively short attention spans of youngsters of that age she’d planned to read a single short chapter to them each day, but when she’d finished the first chapter her students begged her to read another. After the second, she told them it was snack time. They begged her to read a third chapter instead. Forgoing snack time? REALLY? I took their requests as one of the greatest compliments I’ve ever received for my books.
Earlier that same visit, one of the parents said that when the teacher read one of my books, part-way through the story she told her class it was time for recess. They asked if they could stay in so she could finish reading my book to them! Children skipping recess to have one of my books read to them?!?! WOW! I love those kids!
With love,
Russ
Russ Towne's A Grateful Man 
Wow…so cool!!!
Thank you, Mrs. P. i struggled to find a way to tell readers what happened without it sounding like bragging, but gave up and instead went with the wisdom the old saying that goes something along the lines of, “Sometimes you’ve got to blow your own horn or else someone will use it as a spittoon.
You deserve the toot!
By the way, I listened to your podcast interview…great interview. I thought you might enjoy a little misunderstanding I had when I listened. I thought Dr. Bunny said you sold was million copies and I was floored…and impressed. But I re-listened and she was referring to the number of book you’ve written and was joking when she said it. One day, I hope you will be able to say…two million books sold. 😀 😀
Thank you, Mrs. P. I’d love to reach millions of children with my books. I believe the stories can make a positive difference in their lives as the children make a positive difference in the world.
the best reviews ever!
They sure made my day.
Fantastic, your books are soooo good, and those reactions are better than written reviews!
As I’m sure you know, it’s even better than a compliment from an adult because whenever young children say something complimentary you know the compliment is real, and sometimes adults say something just to be polite or to avoid hurting someone’s feelings.
So true!
What incredible and high compliments Russ!!!
Thank you, Colleen. I would have had a great time without hearing about those events, but my day was made even better by them.
Completely understandable!
Perfect! Keeping youngsters listening is no mean feat! I am a retired teacher and now writer. I understand all about the attention span. Congratulations on your success. Their love of your stories has greater long-range consequences than you can imagine. Quite a few of the kids probably hope to write like you someday – that’s where it all starts! Thank you for your contribution to their developing minds!