Tomorrow, videographer Gretchen Vinnedge and I take off for Chicago to talk to students at J.W. Cook Elementary on the south side.  I’m really excited to be visiting our friend–and an extraordinary teacher!–Caity Tully and to be returning to this beautiful historic school.  The photo below was taken of our friend Mary Johnson, me and Caity (on the right) after I completed my 250 mile bike ride.  We were celebrating our safe arrival in Chicago!

I can’t resist showing you a photo of the murals they have at this school!

Here are the living works of art… the students who encouraged me throughout my bicycle ride.

And here is their wise counsel.  I loved the posters they made with Caity.

If you want to check out the video we made about the trip, click on  Tillie Ride

Tomorrow, we’ve asked the students to help us kick off another ride–this time in a car, from Chicago to Detroit to Youngstown to Harrisburg to New York City! to talk to kids about Wireman, my graphic novel series specifically designed to encourage older kids to learn to read.  Kids are so smart, creative, imaginative.  They help me out in so many ways.  I want to ask them if they think Wireman has a future? And where they might be able to help me find Wireman a home.  Learn more about Wireman here.

Please come along with us and join in the conversation! Our final stop is at the New York Public Library for a talk with librarian, author and children’s book blogger, Betsy Bird