Hello, hello, dear blog readers! So I'm just back from a happy busy day at Honoré Mercier School in St. Leonard. In fact, I've got so much to tell you that I hardly know where to begin! But, as I was telling the students today, every story needs a beginning, so here goes: The first thing I saw at Honoré Mercier were some amazing posters made by students in Grade Five. (You can see the posters and the students who made them in the second of today's pics. Honestly, I think some of the posters are just as nice as the covers on some of my books!)
In the first pic, you will meet Gabriele. I was on the look-out for him all day since his big brother Marco is one of my students at Marianopolis. And Gabriele looks like Marco, too! So I made sure to get a pic of the two of us -- we wanted to surprise Marco when he next checks out this blog! (Hi Marco!!)
The students at Honore Mercier are really focused, well-behaved and smart. I even worked with kids in pre-K and kindergarten -- and they were keen to learn about how writers need to be observant. I think they enjoyed when I asked them to share their observations about the gym where I was doing my talks. One boy noticed how the floor had a particular smell! And you know what else was fun about talking to the littlest kids? THEY CAME ROUND TO HUG ME AFTERWARDS!! You can be sure this does not happen at college!!!
Here are some other highlights of my day. The girls in Grades One and Two were wearing some amazing headbands. One of them was pink with sparkles -- I must say it made me wish I was young again and could wear such a dazzling hairband! Speaking of smells, when I was receiving hugs from the K and pre-K students, I noticed how one boy's T-shirt smelled of delicious fresh-washed laundry!! During the period before lunch, the Grades 3 and 4 students had many terrific questions and comments. Massimo wanted to know if I write on a computer or by hand. (The answer is both. Sometimes, I find that if I'm getting a little stuck on the computer, it helps to switch to writing by hand.) When I was talking about how I sometimes get good ideas when I am waking up or falling asleep, a clever student named Seth came up with a new word: "sleepwriting." Hey, Seth, I love that word!! Another student named Tyler said: "I've tried writing a book and it's a lot of hard work." Good for you, Tyler! You sound like a true writer. It is hard work and you mustn't let that stop you. I, for one, enjoy hard work. In fact, if things are too easy, I get tired of them quickly.
I finished my day with the Grades 5 and 6 students. They were a delightful audience and I didn't need to train them in good body language. Almost all of them were taking notes and looking interested.
A special thank you to librarian Mr. Walter for inviting me to the school. Principal Mrs. Manos (do you know she was named Principal of the Year?) really encourages students to do their best in both the arts and sciences. Thanks also to vice-principal Mrs. Sammarco for helping to organize Literacy Week. And a special thank you to Angelina Di Zanno, a parent volunteer at the school, who was my chaperone all day, and whom I feel as if I've known a lot longer than just a day!!
To my new friends at Honoré Mercier, enjoy the privilege of going to such a dynamic school where so many good things are happening. Remember -- stay out of trouble! But if trouble ever strikes, remember you can use it in your stories. Stay in touch. Happy reading and writing!! 
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Comments
I loved how you inspire kids to write. I never wanted to write a book and now I do. You inspired me to write
Take Care, Marco Pallotta
hey monique,
you did great at honore mercier school today!!!!!! sure to read your books
I LOVED YOUR BLOG!!!!
sabrina, have a nice weekend!!! 8)
Hey Monique,
BTW I'm not the Megan that took notes! I LOVED it when you came to my school! You really inspiered me to write more often! Thats why I'm starting to write my own book! And next time you write a book maybe you can put the names Megan ,Anne and Angela! Have a nice weekend!
Hey Monique, it's me again I have a good idea for a book! It"s about three friends named Megan, Anne and Angela! But they get into alot of fights like when Anne thinks Megan and Angela like each other more than they like her! And Megan and Angela think Anne does not like them for that! But really Megan and Angela think sometimes Anne could care alot about fashion! And that drives them crazy! And then they are not friends You could think of the rest!
hi you did an amazing job at our school.you even inspired me to read more.I really liked the book Home invasion.i am looking forward to reading it.It was a pleasure meeting you and getting to know a bit about you. Have a nice weekend and keep on writing more books.take care. Lisa .M
Dear Monique,
Thank you for coming to our school,i never wanted to write a book and now i want to write books i was soooo inspired by you and you teach very clearly...and i've started to read more and write more so i'd like to thank you soo much for inspireing us and i think other people were to, we hope you can come again, you are a good author and im gonna start to read your books,they look soooo intresting....I was surprised when you said that you take notes and read everyday i wanna be just like you!
I never wanted to be an author and i thought about it and those are one of things i want to be now...thank you!
Take care, Keep up the good work!
Jessica
i got the book junck yard dog today and hope you enjoyed coming to honoré mercier school
bye got to go start writing my book
heyyyy misss,
unfortunately i was not able to stay for the entire presentation you gave at (the best elementary school) honore mercier on friday. i did however peak in through the door for a few minutes and all i can say is you were just as exciting as you are in class. i'm sure the little ones loved you and your stories; they'd say you were the icing on the cake to their 'I Love Reading Week'.
see you tuesday!
-Cristina Di Menna
i love you monique. u write good books and i love them.
love xoxo
hi monique!
i finally found a book i liked and starting to write stories thanks to you!
Dear Miss Monique,
Hi! My friends and I like your books. They are very good and we like them a lot.
xoxo
luv
you rock ;D>8):P:-*:'(
WOW! I HAVE NEVER HAD SO MANY COMMENTS FROM STUDENTS IN ONE SCHOOL!
You guys are the best. I'm so happy I got you excited about writing. And you know what? I look forward to reading YOUR books some day soon! Big hug from Monique
Heyy Monique,
Thx for commenting on me when i was playing with my hair thx u made my day and i really want to read one of ur books.Now i really want to write a book about my life;D:P8)
Hi, Monique i really enjoyed you visitting my school, you were really good. I would really like to read one of your books. I am sure they will be amazing. I also liked when you told us some of your sneeky ways to find ideas.
Hi Monique your tips were great i find you should continue being a writer you are great at that i love your book finding Elmo it is great.
i hope you come again thank you for coming at are school.
thanks for the lecture brianna
Hi I am one of the students in honore mercier school!;D
hi monique read the book junkyard dog it is amazing love it;D;D;D;D;D8)8)8)8)8)