Thanks, Mrs. Barrilleaux!

I'm scheduled for a presentation at the Eastern Nebraska Reading Council in Seward this evening, along with my buddy at the Nebraska Library Commission, Sally Snyder. The weather may have an impact on this plan, so you never know....

I'm delighted with the chance to talk with teachers--a passionate teacher creates a forever impact.

I'd point to Mrs. Barrilleaux, my fourth grade teacher in York, Nebraska. When Mrs. Barrilleaux read aloud after lunch, she made magic. She'd embrace each book as she prepared to read it, telling us what a great book it was, and how happy she was to read it to us. My sister had Mrs. Barrilleaux the year before me, and so I knew all about "Brighty of the Grand Canyon" and "Nancy and Plum." I can still hear Mrs. Barrilleaux's voice saying, "Brighty! Brighty!"

And the first thing she taught us that year was how to spell her name!