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Port Edwards kindergarten teacher Kathy McGrath admits that one of her favorite birthday gifts this year was a box of truffles – an array of chocolate candies each shaped to resemble a tiny hedgehog.
 Children's author Jan Brett hugs Port Edwards kindergarten teacher Kathy McGrath, who describes herself as a devoted fan. McGrath entered Brett's Lunch on the Bus" contest faithfully each night for about two months. |
The best keepsake from her recent cross-country trip was an armadillo puppet she picked up on Whidbey Island in the state of Washington, she'll tell you with a grin.
So, perhaps it's no surprise that after entering an online contest every night for more than two months, she was announced the grand prize winner of a contest sponsored by famed children's author Jan Brett, whose books contain popular characters such as Hedgie the Hedgehog and Bo the Armadillo.
McGrath is about as devoted a fan as there could be, after all.
Brett invited McGrath to meet her in Appleton on October 16, as part of a book signing tour for her newest release, “The Snow Bears.” It happened to be McGrath's 55th birthday. “This has to be the best birthday ever,” McGrath said.
Brett inspires primary-grade teachers everywhere with her charming stories and detailed illustrations, combined with teaching guides and entire curriculums developed around the tales. McGrath, a teacher for 33 years, has followed Brett's career for a long time, and last saw her about six years ago at a book signing.
“I have been a huge fan of hers for many years and I am absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to spend some time with her,” said McGrath, whose name was selected from the 39,208 entries. “Of course, if you're not an elementary teacher, you don't get as excited.”
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During the visit, Brett hosted lunch on her tour bus, an enormous white vehicle covered with larger-than-life images from the book's pages.
McGrath, who was allowed to invite three guests along to the luncheon, came with her two daughters, teachers Kelly McGrath and Molly Lawry, and her sister, retired teacher Jean Osteraas. Also on hand for the event was her husband, Pat McGrath, who is a retired teacher and former WEAC board member, who currently, serves on the Board of the WEA Member Benefits Trust.
“Kathy deserves this; she's a huge fan,” said Osteraas, who retired about five years ago from the DeForest School District .
Daughter Kelly, who teaches remedial reading to elementary students in the Seymour School District , said she was excited to meet the author, as she often uses Brett's picture books in her day-to-day work.
“Even 5th graders enjoy Jan Brett's books,” agreed daughter Molly, who teaches that grade in the Verona School District . “They still enjoy reading picture books.”
Mrs. McGrath's Some of the books at the top of kindergarten teacher Kathy McGrath's all-time favorite Jan Brett books are: • Armadillo Rodeo • Gingerbread Baby • Hedgie's Surprise • Snowbears • The Hat • The Mitten |
The excitement of the opportunity wasn't lost on the staff and students at Port Edwards Elementary School , either. The entire school turned out for a surprise send-off the day before the event, complete with an impromptu staff production of “The Hat” and T-shirts bearing the likeness of Brett's character Hedgie the Hedgehog.
And for the youngest students, who might not have caught on to the thrill of meeting a real live author, all it took to ramp up excitement was seeing a picture of Jan Brett's bus. Asked a 1st grader hopefully, "Does Mrs. McGrath get to keep the bus?"
“Oh, how I wish,” McGrath answered with a wide grin.
Resources for teachers can be found on Jan Brett's Web site, www.janbrett.com .
Posted October 23, 2007