Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Fran's NPR Debut or "That's Not Going to Be Good for Business"

Francis has had quite a year of literary distinction.

So we were not surprised when he chose to discuss his feelings about writing in addition to detailing his summer plans when he was approached for an interview with Michigan Radio/ NPR last Friday on the final day of first grade. Please listen to his compelling interview, initially aired June 17, 2011, by clicking here.  

There has been much hubbub in reaction this week to this 40 second interview across the country:

"We heard this in the car!  I almost drove off the road!"  
-Martha G., Ann Arbor, MI
"I heard Frances being interviewed on Michigan Radio! So very cute. He said he didn't like writing?!?!"   -Vickie H., Ann Arbor, MI
"Totally awesome!!!!!!"  -Christy M., Atlanta, GA
"What a hoot!"  -Grandma P., Carmel, IN
"We heard you on the radio.  I was so proud of you.  You spoke so clearly.  When is your next Cub's game?"  -Nana R., Phoenix, AZ
"That's very cute.  Way to go, Fran!"  -Jack R., Dexter, MI
"How can he NOT like writing?! He has such great story ideas!"   
-Laura W., Ann Arbor, MI
"Absolutely adorable!"  -Susan A., Indianapolis, IN
"OMG!"  -Laurie P., Hastings-on-Hudson, NY


TRWH will post an official rebuttal to Fran's interview later this week.

Francis and the best teacher in the world, just minutes before the controversial public radio interview.


Book Release

A book release cookies and punch reception will be held at Casa Roderique to celebrate the upcoming release of The Fourth of July by Esther and Francis.  It will clearly be a "Who's Who of Ann Arbor".

Or perhaps a "Who's in Town over the Fourth".

Saturday, June 11, 2011

"I need to practice my jam on biscuits..."

Currently, Claudia is enjoying the "Girl Frances" books and stories, especially Bread and Jam for Frances. She loves the poems and songs Frances sings, especially this one that she says while she jumps rope:

Jam on biscuits, jam on toast,
Jam is the thing that I like most.
Jam is sticky, jam is sweet,
Jam is tasty, jam's a treat-
Raspberry, strawberry, gooseberry, I'm very 
FOND... OF... JAM!

Yesterday she pulled me from the house to the back porch.  She pointed up high.  "Mama, I need that, " she said, pointing to the jumprope dangling from a hook.  "I want to practice my jam on biscuits."

Oh, is she delicious!