My public library Book Bears group and Read Aloud group have finished for the school year. Book Bears read a book each month, and we discuss the book the following month. The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes and Stella Endicott and the Anything-is-Possible Poem by Kate DiCamillo were very popular with Book Bears. In Read Aloud, we were ‘glued’ to The Wild Robot Escapes, the sequel to The Wild Robot, by Peter Brown.
Taylor is in my Read Aloud group. When we started reading the book, she immediately checked out The Wild Robot so she could ‘catch up’. At our last session she asked me,
“Jennie, can I ask you challenge questions about the first book, like you do with us?”
“Sure! I’m ready.”
“What is the name of Brightbill’s best friend?”
“Chitchat.”
“Who helped Roz and made her a new foot?”
“Mr. Beaver.”
And then the tables were turned, and I asked Taylor challenging questions that were harder, like “What is the name of Nettle’s brother?”
We had a grand time.
Finally she told me that I look just like The Designer. That made my day!
The third book in the series comes out in late September. I have written a letter (handwritten, of course) to author Peter Brown, imploring him to sell me an advanced copy so that I can begin my library Read Aloud with #3, The Wild Robot Protects.
No one thinks Peter Brown will be ‘moved’ to sell me a copy a few weeks early. Well, I’m the glass-half-full. Here is my letter:
Dear Peter Brown,
Your new Wild Robot book comes out at the end of September. I am asking to buy a copy a few weeks early, and for good reason. Here’s my backstory:
I have read aloud The Wild Robot and The Wild Robot Escapes more times than I can count. I’m ‘somewhat famous’ for my reading aloud to children. I’m featured in the seventh edition of the late Jim Trelease’s million-copy bestseller, The Read-Aloud Handbook. He came to my school to watch me read to children. I was a live guest on The Kelly Clarkson Show, as a teacher who embraces reading books to children. As a thank you, I gave Kelly The Wild Robot to read to her children.
I am a teacher. Next year will be my 40th. Every day I chapter read to children, and The Wild Robot is as popular as Charlotte’s Web. I have read the book to my grandchildren (photo included)
and to my library Read Aloud group (photo included)
When one of my students had a serious brain injury, I went to his house every week to read The Wild Robot to him (photo included).
Thank you for giving children a world of nature, adventure, bravery and kindness through your books. I wonder if you have any idea how many lives – young and old – you have touched.Sincerely,
Jennie Fitzkee
The letter and photos are in the mail.
A Teacher's Reflections 
I do hope he responds positively!
I do, too! 🤞
I hope you hear back very soon, the power of words and caring are endless
I believe in the power of words and caring, too. Thank you, Beth.
Jennie, there’s an old saying that guided me in sales, “unseen and untold is unsold”. You’ve done both in your letter and I’m getting that you’ll ‘close the sale’. Keep us posted.
That’s quite a saying, and true. I will let you know if I ‘close the sale’. Thank you, Steve!
I have a good feeling about this, Jennie. I think you’ll be getting an advance copy. Who wouldn’t want their book in your hands?
That’s so nice, Dan! Thank you.
A moving letter. We look forward to reading his response and seeing a picture of you with his book. 🙂
Thank you, Monica. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I appreciate your comment!
I am pretty sure he will ensure you get a copy and I don’t think he will charge you either. Authors love letters like this. He may even come and visit your class. Now how’s that for positive thinking!! 😊
Thank you, Darlene. I hope so! Interestingly, it’s the handwritten letters that are the most powerful. Everyone who received one of my handwritten letters responded in kind. I hope Peter Brown does, too. I love your positive thinking! 🙂
He should be pleased. You and your book bears are really giving him encouragement.
I hope so. Thank you, Don.
How could he possibly say no to your letter?? ❤️
🤞🥰
I checked NetGalley for the upcoming book–The Wild Robot Protects, publication Sept. 2023. They have had all his other books on offer, but not this one. Darn! I get a lot of free books, pre-pub, from them.
Thanks, Jacqui. The release date is the end of the month and I need it the middle of the month. I’m hoping, even though teachers and librarians feel there is no hope.
If he doesn’t give you an advance copy after that, he surely has no heart. I am staying positive that you will get one!
Best wishes, Pete.
His website says he looks forward to letters from readers and children, so I’m counting on him having a big heart. Best to you, Pete.
Fingers, toes, and eyes crossed for you Jennie!
Thanks, FR!
Oh, I hope he sends you the latest in the series! I still need to get the second book and read it myself!
You will love it, Deborah. It’s very different from the first book, yet just as exciting.
Wonderful. Can’t wait to see your new book!
🙂
He can’t resist, Jennie. If I were he I would troop to the school and hand you a copy.
That’s so nice, John. Thank you.
Talking to children about what they have read is as important as what they are reading. My fingers are crossed and my good thoughts are in the ether that the author comes through for you.
Thanks so much, Pam.
Hopefully, he will see your request, or if he has a publicist, someone will make sure to make this happen. By the way, I FINALLY finished the copy of The Wild Robot you sent me. Thank you so much, Jennie.
I know you understand. There are simply too many books I want to read, and often my time feels limited.
Thanks, Pete. I do hope so. BTW, did you like the book? Of course I understand! My TBR list is a very long one.
I did enjoy The Wild Robot. It has some great themes and lessons. It may be for a slightly younger audience than I’m writing for, but I understand why it’s one of your favorites.
Thanks, Pete. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. My read aloud is K-3, although this is a stand alone book for older readers. Yes, you are writing for a slightly older audience.
A beautiful letter Jennie. How can anyone refuse you. ❤
Thank you, Debby. 🥰
❤
I’m sure that’ll work!! You’re a genius Jennie!
Thanks, Opher. Fingers crossed.
Glad you could answer the challenge questions!
Me, too! Taylor was thrilled.
I cannot think of a single reason why you won’t be given an advance reader copy – and I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for you, Jennie:)).
Thanks, Sarah.
Hi Jennie, I really hope he sends you the book. I think he will 🤗💗
Hi Robbie, fingers crossed.