Peggy Sharp's Book Extravaganza (or so it should be called)

My first year at Greenhill, I had no idea about professional development or what that really meant. It had never applied in any job I'd had before, but assumed it was long lectures, or classes and workshops that would enhance my position greatly. Each workshop I attend has some benefits, though some are not always evident the minute you walk out of the seminar.

That's not how Peggy Sharp is.

I was told last year that she was one of the most phenomenal, excited educators who still worked with children. She LOVED books, had various lessons to go with books for varying ages, and had great ideas for book promotions, apps, and all sorts of things.

Fortunately, I was able to see her this past Monday through Region 10 Education Service Center in Richardson, Texas. Not far from our school, I always appreciate and glean a lot from the sessions there. It's exciting to get to meet all kinds of teachers, librarians, and assistants (like me!). Terry Roper is basically the head honcho when it comes to the library gatherings, and she always does a great job of finding presenters.

Is it sad the thing I was most excited about was getting her fabulous book of the latest children's titles, coded, of course, for their appropriateness for different ages, grades, and if there is additional lesson content in the back of said book. If you haven't been to see her, or cannot, find someone who has and grab their book! She seems to go a million miles an hour at times, which is why a highlighter and a package of sticky notes is essential to a successful Peggy Sharp seminar.

This was her first stop on her yearly book tour; it is also her last year of doing this! It's sad, but exciting for her. She's a very hard worker and should get to enjoy her time in retirement if that's what she pleases.

One of the ideas I love (and Carrie and I even loved last year) is printing a color picture of the cover of a book, and creating a "review folder". Inside the folder, which is a colorful file folder, are a few reviews from different journals and publications, as well as what other students have said. There is also the blurb from the inside jacket of the book. The most compelling part is the back of the folder has a copy of the first page of the book. Authors know that's where you must suck your readers in; they have just a limited amount of time to grab their audience.

Overall, her presentations are sharp as ever; she likes to engage the educators like she would students in a classroom. It helps solidify ideas that she's given to us.

I'm sad to see Dr. Sharp go, becoming a birder and natural-trail hiking guide; I am thankful that I have been able to see her and utilize her booklists, teaching, and her encouraging spirit in our library.