Children's Book Author

Visits Cottage Lane

by Mrs. McBride

On May 12th, Debbie Dadey, author of the popular children's book series Bailey School Kids visited with students from Cottage Lane. Patty Eyer, Library Media Specialist for SOCSD, and Kenny Sarfin, owner of Books and Greetings of Northvale, coordinated the visit and book signing opportunity.  

Mr. Fiorentino, principal, Mrs. McBride, teacher of the gifted and talented, and the editors of e-newsletter, The Leopard Print, helped Cottage Lane students prepare for Debbie Dadey’s visit.  Adorned with props, the editors visited every 4^th grade class to promote the books in the Cottage Lane Library as well as the newly released Keyholders Series. They encouraged 4^th grade students to participate in a writing competition inspired by Mrs. Dadey.  Banners, a display, and announcements kept the students anticipating the visit.

On Tuesday morning Debbie Dadey arrived. Prior to her presentation, the editors of The Leopard Print interviewed her for their feature story.  (Mrs. Dadey graciously asked the editors to send her their link so she could link her website to theirs.) Classes piled into the auditorium wearing polka dots in honor of her first book - Vampires Don't Wear Polka Dots and quickly became a captivated audience.  They listened attentively and asked quality questions. Mrs. Dadey shared her trials and tribulations in becoming a published author.  Teachers were very appreciative of all the writing messages she gave our students. 

And the winners were…

1^st Place - Gorilla’s Can’t be Principal

By Alex M. from Mrs. McFadden’s Class

2^nd Place – Ella and the Basketball Game

By Sarah M. from Mrs. Vega-Cabrera’s class

3^rd Place – When the Sun Goes Down

By Miah H. from Mrs. Rudin’s Class

They all received a signed copy of Debbie Dadey’s book and Alex’s story will be featured in the next edition of The Leopard Print.

This event truly broke down our walls and connected students to the real world and their community. It was a memorable experience.