Visiting the Oldest School in Texas

WOW…That’s what I said when Librarian Maureen Slocum said that Pease Elementary School is the oldest continually operating school in Texas. 1876. Wow, right? And what a vibrant community of children from all over the Austin because their parents work downtown.

And smart? Holy Moley. At one point while reading the book, I ask, “What do you think will wake the two headed giant?” After a few guesses, I give a hint. “What is the biggest light bulb in the world?” A kindergartner with a birthday crown on his head, said, “The sun.” Geez, I don’t think I was that aware in kindergarten.

Always during my visits, I tell the story of the book’s inspration: Early one morning, I woke to find my daughter peering up at me in bed. I was struck with the idea that I must look like a giant and the bed, a mountain. A Snuggle Mountain.

A little boy raised his hand and said that in his house, there is a blue couch and he thinks it is the Great Wall of China.

Fabulous.

7 Responses to “Visiting the Oldest School in Texas”

  1. KiKi

    Wow, such big-hearted momliness in that writerly soul of yours. Love the sweet insights you provide. The little ones are lucky.

  2. Allyn

    So……when can we expect SNUGGLE MOUNTAIN 2: REVENGE OF THE PANCAKES?

  3. Lindsey

    Or perhaps…Ol’ Baldie…in which Emma must wake the gentle, snoring (balding) grandpa-like lump in the guest room…whom she must wake to scale the jungle gym like mountains in the park in order to what? Eat pizza?
    Hmmm…

  4. Allyn

    Yep, that’s a good plot point. Kids love munching pizza. So does Homer Simpson: “Mmmm. Pizza.”

    You need a twist ending, though. Like, the pizza turns out to be…bah-bah-bah…delivered! Or, as Homer might suggest: “Mmmm. Donut pizza.”

    When the book gets made into a tween movie, make sure your contract stipulates that the cute girly-boy Justin Bieber sings the hit theme song. And retain at least 10% of the rights for merchandising! (Trust me on that one; I rue the day I signed away 98% of merch profits from my YA epic. But enough about me.)

    Happy tap-tap-tapping on your keyboard. The world (wide web) awaits you.

  5. T. Graham

    Hello! We loved your visit to our school! I want to send you some cards my first graders made for you. I also want to send you the pictures I took of your visit.