Last Friday, our fourth and fifth graders in the optional Chat and Chew library program had an opportunity to chat with Chicago-area author, Liesl Shurtliff, through Skype. To prepare for the discussion, participating students read Rump: The True Story of Rumpelstilskin. They loved how the novel remade fairytale character, Rumpelstilskin, into a 12-year-old boy instead of an older man. In the novel, Rump is determined to learn his real full name and its meaning. The book includes a greedy miller, trolls, pixies, and even Red (from Little Red Riding Hood). When our students asked Ms. Shurtliff questions at the Chat and Chew, they were excited to find out that she has written another fairytale remake called Jack: The True Story of Jack and the Beanstalk that will be available April 14, 2015. Mrs. Shurtliff told students how her life has changed since she's become a writer. She explained that she constantly pays attention to the world around her to get ideas for characters, settings, and events for her new books. After the Skype session, the students discussed the book and participated in a fairytale character guessing game. All students in grades 3-5 interested in participating in Chat and Chew can sign up through the LMC. The next Chat and Chew book for third graders will be announced soon!
