Maine Author to visit Russell School
By Jeanne Adams

Gray-- The Russell School PTSA and Cultural Enrichment Committee are pleased to host Maine author Toni Buzzeo on Monday, March 22. Ms. Buzzeo will visit with students of each classroom at Russell School. Buzzeo holds a Masters degree in English and a Masters degree in Library and Information Science.

She has worked as a high school and college English teacher and a public children's librarian - currently, she is a Library Media Specialist at Longfellow School in Portland.

Buzzeo was named the 1999 Maine Library Media Specialist of the Year. She lives in Buxton amid wild turkeys and black flies with her husband, Ken Cyll, her son, Topher Cyll, 21, and their Belgian sheepdog mix, Indy.
Russell School Principal Ellen Beale, said, "When children have an author visit their school it is a rich and rewarding experience. They focus more closely on the content, design and details of the book. As a result of meeting the creator of the book they become more engaged at a deeper level in the writing process and in the illustrator's work as well."

Buzzeo's first children's book, The Sea Chest (Dial Books for Young Readers 2002) (ages 5-up), is set on a fictional midcoast Maine island and is based on the Maine Hendricks Head Light baby-in-the-sea chest legend. The book, illustrated in oils by Minnesota artist Mary GrandPré (who has also illustrated the popular Harry Potter novels) is both Maine historical fiction and a touching adoption story. The title earned Buzzeo the 2000 Barbara Karlin Grant for Picture Book Writing from the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.

Chosen as a Junior Library Guild selection and featured in Scholastic Book Fairs, it won a Lupine Honor Award from the Maine Library Association and an Oppenheim 2002 Toy Portfolio Gold Award. School Library Journal gave the book a starred review, saying, "The combination of exquisite language and enchanting illustrations makes this a unique and outstanding book."

Dawdle Duckling (Dial Books for Young Readers, 2003) (ages 2-6) is the story of a small duckling who swims to the beat of his own drummer--until danger threatens.

Also illustrated by Margaret Spengler, it is a cheerful reassuring tale of youthful rebellion and parental protection--with an exciting surprise ending. Dawdle Duckling is a Children's Book of the Month Club and a Dolly Parton Imagination Library selection.

Kirkus Reviews said, "Buzzeo's gentle lesson [is] just right for the preschool set," while Publisher's Weekly said, "Young, incorrigible human dawdlers should find [it] immensely satisfying."

Her newest picture book, Little Loon and Papa (Dial Books for Young Readers) will be published May 2004 The book, illustrated by Margaret Spengler, is a story of personal courage and the love between a father and his child. It's also a playful guessing story about animals found along the shores of northern lakes.

Coming soon is Ready or Not, Dawdle Duckling (Dial Books for Young Readers 2005) (ages 2-6), a lively sequel to Dawdle Duckling. She is also
the author of many articles in her profession as well as four professional books.

Would you like a signed copy of the books?
You may pre-order a signed copy of "The Sea Chest" for $16.99 or "Dawdle Duckling" for $15.99. Call the Russell School at 657-4929 for more information.

Read more about Toni Buzzeo on her website at www.tonibuzzeo.com.