Kids like Zeynep are playing “Drone Football” In Turkey (and all over the world). Teams of 5 kids try to fly a drone through suspended hoops while their opponents try to stop them with their drone. Super cool!
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Guess what I’m holding. More importantly, guess what it’s used for in Turkey. Tell you later.
The Basilica Cistern was built underneath Istanbul in the 6th century to store 2,800,000 cubic feet of water for the city. Amazing, and beautiful.
Having a great time in Istanbul. Wish you were here! I didn’t even remember that some of my books have been translated into Turkish (by Epsilon).
This isn’t a “work” trip to Istanbul, but when Natalie Yumlo reached out, I had to meet her. Natalie started The Little Library That Could, which encourages reading for kids in Turkey. (Info: www.thelittlelibrarythatcould.com) We had tea at the Pera Palace hotel, where Agatha Christie used to stay.
I’m leaving for a vacation tonight. My wife and I are going to Istanbul, Turkey. I’ll try to make a few posts while I’m away. But if I don’t have the chance, I’ll see you back here when I get home on September 7th. Thanks to the kids for reading, and grownups for sharing my books with kids.
Besides her other accomplishments, Dolly Parton started Imagination Library to put books in the hands of kids who need them. The organization has donated MILLIONS of books to kids. To find out more about Imagination Library, go to: imaginationlibrary.com R.I.P. Dolly.
I just autographed 70 copies of “Dorks” at the New York Public library main branch gift shop. If you happen to be in or near the city, go get em!
I was walking down the street when I passed the house where Samuel Thomas invented the English muffin in 1880. He was a British immigrant who developed a secret baking process to create the famous “nooks and crannies.” This is why I love New York. You never know what you’re going to stumble upon.
When I start something, I like to finish it. BUT NOT BOOKS. I know it’s good to stick with a book, & that we feel good completing a book. But life is short, and so is my attention span. If a book doesn’t grab me in the first few pages, I bail. That’s why, in my books, I try to start off with a bang…
I wanted to buy a water bed, but my wife was against it. She was afraid we’d drift apart.
MY READER OF THE WEEK is Phoebe from Texas. When she was little, she hated to read. Then she discovered My Weird School. Her mom told me, “It’s like a switch turned on in her brain. Phoebe says it’s so fun and exciting to read.” This summer, she challenged herself to read 20 books.
TEACHERS and LIBRARIANS: What’s your first read-aloud for the new school year? May I suggest... --For grade 1-3: “Mr. DiPilla Is a Gorilla!” This is the newest My Weird School book, so your students probably haven’t read it yet. --For grade 4-6: “The Picasso Curse.” My latest middle grade novel.
PTA PRESIDENTS! How about a virtual author visit to your school this term? My presentation is just as fun, engaging, and educational as an in-person visit (and MUCH less expensive). If your K-5 school would be interested in a virtual visit, visit my website: dangutman.com/virtual-scho...
Shopping for back-to-school supplies? Don't forget to visit The Official My Weird School Shop. A.J. and the gang are pictured on T-shirts, hoodies, baseball caps, water bottles, tote bags and more cool stuff. Go to: www.cafepress.com/shop/TheOffi...
It’s that time again! Over the next few days, I’ll be posting stuff to help parents, kids, teachers, and librarians start the new school year right. Oh yeah, I’m going to try and sell you stuff too. Like this book! It’s the perfect read-aloud for grades 2-4.
AIAIAI. I’m SICK of reading about AI. But as long as everybody’s talking about it, did you know “Mrs. Marge Is In Charge!” is the first My Weird School book to be written with the help of AI? Yeah, Jim & I pretended to go on vacation in the middle of the book and let AI finish it. Here’s a sample…
I have a friend who lives in Venice, Italy and got run over by one of those canal boats. What a tragedy. I sent my gondolences.
What’s better than the sound of a child laughing? Nothing! My Reader of the Week is Jewel from Missouri. Her mom told me “She loves your books, but last night she just couldn’t stop reading hilarious parts aloud to our family. Then she started making up her own crazy stories. Thank you!”
AUDIOBOOK FANS: “The Beatles Couldn’t Read Music?” is 60% off (just $4.80) until September 3rd. Learn the TRUE meaning of “Ticket To Ride.” Find out which Beatle had the hairiest legs. And lots more, right here: www.audiobooks.com/promotions/p...
60% OFF The Beatles Couldn't Read Music
The Beatles John Lennon’s mom called him “Stinker” because he farted so much! Paul McCartney’s car was wrecked by chickens! George Harrison once had his friend’s parent...
audiobooks.com
Happy birthday to my big sister Lucy. We’re five years apart, and when we were growing up it was like we were from two different generations. Now that we’re both old farts, it’s like we’re the same age. Funny how that happens with siblings.
The answer to this morning’s quiz is…KEVIN BACON! He lived in the building (called Bretton Hall) four years, paying $325 a month for a tiny apartment where he slept in the kitchen because his roommate needed the bedroom for his piano. So am I now connected to Kevin Bacon by 2 degrees of separation?
There are 2 clues in this photo that may help you identify this apartment building in New York City. After you do that, can you tell me the name of a famous person who used to live in the building? I’ll post the answer later today.
SUMMER ROAD TRIP? The Genius Files is a perfect Read-A-Long. Coke & Pep are on vacation with their parents while being chased by bad guys. Their itinerary… #1: California to Wisconsin #2: Wisconsin to Washington D.C. #3: Washington to Memphis TN #4: Memphis to New Mexico #5: New Mexico to California
Do people who drive electric cars listen to AC/DC? I figure they’re more into current music.
Okay, so your kids have read just about every My Weird School book. But have they read all the My Weird School SPECIALS?
Jim Paillot and I have made three My Weird School graphic novels (so far) and ONE MONTH FROM TODAY the box set of all three will be available. You can pre-order it here: www.harpercollins.com/products/my-...
