A favorite Shady Oaks author, Obert Skye, returned for his third visit on February 10, 2012.  Mr. Skye is the author of the popular fantasy series about "Leven Thumps."  The first book in the series, _Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo_ was a nominee for the Texas Bluebonnet Award several years ago.  He has just completed "The Pillagy," another fantasy series which includes _Pillage_, _Choke_ and the just-released conclusion _Ambush_. Many students are enjoying the humor of _Wonkenstein_ which is the first book of his new series, "The Creature from My Closet."  Those who have enjoyed that book are anxious for the release of book two in the series, _Potterwookiee_, which is scheduled to be published in the fall by "Christy Ottaviano Books," an imprint of Macmillan Children's Publishing Group.

We are so grateful to Mr. Skye for taking time from his busy writing schedule to visit with our students. We still discuss often and try to follow the advice of his powerful message which he brought to us during his first visit:  HAVE COURAGE - THINK BIG - BE GREAT!  The students in grades 3-4-5 and 6 were spellbound as he discussed the plots of his books and their characters.  He also described the eight steps of the writing process he uses so successfully.  Maybe your student can tell you about the eight steps!

We love Mr. Skye's story about how he became an avid reader and writer, and on our library's website, you can watch a video of him telling that story during his previous visit. He drives home the point that the more you read, the more you know and the better you will write: thus your chances of becoming successful at whatever you wish to do with your life all goes back to finding the books you love to read! You will see Mrs. Zorn, our library technology specialist, wearing the key he presented to her during his first visit. At that time, he asked the students to remember that Mrs. Zorn has the key to helping them find in the library whatever they need to follow their dreams. The students of HEB are certainly blessed with wonderful library resources and library technology specialists who strive to do just that!

We are very appreciative of our District Adopter, Barnes & Noble, and their Community Relations Manager Carol Scalzo for her assistance in making it possible for Mr. Skye to visit Shady Oaks and several other elementary schools.  Many students enjoyed visiting with Mr. Skye as he signed their books at Barnes & Noble that evening, and we know that their life adventure has just begun and will continue as they begin to turn the pages of such inspiring books!