Bigfoot Round-up, oh yes!

Last weekend I drove to Yakima, Washington in search of Bigfoot. I was researching my new book, and MAN, did I hit the mother load. I spent two days with some of the most famous patrons of the North American Great Ape on the planet, and I learned so much. I even met a 13-year-old boy who had found and photographed remarkable tracks in the high Sierras while hunting with his dad. He'll be a magnifcent part of the book.

I have to finish up my school year -- some more JLG biographies and four more school visits. But once the summer is mine, I'll have time to WRITE this book, at least part of it, and to do at least two more research field trips for this same book. And I couldn't be more excited.

It's so great when you get to write a book that you feel passionate about. I've been lucky that way so many times. I'm grateful to be lucky that way again, now. I do SO love my job.

One more photo from Houston.

Yeah, it was really great!

Houston -- who says you can't go home again?

I flew to Houston Sunday afternoon to do three school visits -- one on Monday, one on Tuesday and one on Wednesday. It's a LONG flight. Obviously, it's a long, long way. But man, was it ever worth it.

Houston has a richly diverse school population, and it's fantastic. But the beauty isn't in the differences. The beauty is in how much kids are, essentially, all the same. I don't mean they aren't utterly unique or individual. They are. Every kid is a shooting star -- dazzling and distinctive. But their desire to be heard, to be cared for, to laugh and especially to know the power of mutual respect transcends age, race and geography.

That constant gives me so much hope. And the love the kids share with me makes me feel like a titan, even if I am wrapped in a plump, old lady cloak.

Thanks, kids of Houston. And thanks librarians. You work SO hard. And the hard work SHOWS in the faces of the young people you serve so well. THANK YOU for having me at your schools. It was a TREAT and a pleasure I will never, ever forget!

Kelly