Calling all kids! Come write poetry with us!

We’re delighted to welcome educator and author Valerie Rivera to host three poetry-writing workshops for our young readers. If you have a youngster (typically age 6+; must be able to read and write), come on by and let them experience the joy of reading and writing poetry of their own.

While kids are arriving and settling in, Valerie will read her adorable book, I Am Puppy (also available in Spanish). Then, she’ll guide her group through a process to create simple, original handwritten poems by:

examining forms of Japanese Poetry,
having fun finding themes,
reading model poems,
discussing patterns,
spending time writing, and
sharing/ listening to shared poems.

Be prepared to welcome home a budding poet!

Materials needed: Attendees need only bring a pen and small notebook for writing in. (Note: We offer these for sale at 10% for workshop participants.)

Cost and schedule: This workshop costs $4/child, $1/grown-up, and $1 for each additional child in the family.

Not sure yet? Valerie will provide a free Japanese writing pen to each attendee. And she’ll conduct a raffle drawing for a free Japanese poetry writing book.

Advance registration required for planning purposes. Thank you, and we hope to see you in the bookstore!

About Valerie

Valerie Rivera is 30-year retired New York State elementary, ELA, and ENL educator. Also a published poet and children’s book author, Valerie writes under the pen name VA Rivera. At the age of 7, Valerie wrote her first poem for a class assignment. After the teacher wrote a big red mark and the words VERY GOOD at the top of her paper, Valerie was hooked! She has been writing ever since. Valerie's other superpowers are helping people and laughing out loud. Valerie’s poetry workshops are always positive, encouraging and uplifting. In her spare time, Valerie likes to listen to soft piano music, munch on dark chocolate, and practice yoga with her cats, SweetiePie and Miss Tish.