Letters from my readers are always treasured (and answered). They provide vital support and proof that invisible bookworms are alive and well and reading my books.
I don’t often share these letters. But the two recent letters below are everything a writer could ever desire. I’ve never been touched so much as these have done. They don’t just warm the heart, they make all my life’s work worthwhile. “Thank you,” is too small a response. They give my writer’s life meaning.
From the young reader:
Dear Avi,
Me and my mom loved the Poppy Books! They were funy and had a lot of adventures! Ereth is my favorite bekus he swears so much. Now I think mice books are the best books.
From: E—
From the reader’s mother:
Dear Avi,
My daughter E—(7) and I, just finished reading the whole Poppy series. We read your books every night before bed for the last five months and absolutely adored every single one of them. It can be tricky to find high-quality literature that has content that is age appropriate for little ones. Your books delivered, and then some! I love how beautifully descriptive your writing is and we often stopped to talk about the rich vocabulary you use. The characters you created are truly delightful. Ereth brought on many sessions of uncontrollable laughter, and we would hear Daddy calling up the stairs “Are you sure you are getting ready for bed?”
Reading your books created the most wonderful memories for us that I will treasure for the rest of my life. A few key phrases have stuck and are used regularly around our house, The favorites being “Oh belching beavers,” “hit the puke button, and duck.” “Put the kids in the rear, blow some wind, and turn on the fan.” “Keep your pit in your olive,” and whenever someone doesn’t feel well we always ask, “Are you going to uncork your guts?” Even as I write this my family is reading over my shoulder, shouting out phrases and giggling.
Thank you for sharing these stories with the world. They will be forever cherished.
Sincerely,
T
P.S. “A Mouse Will A Roving Go” has been listened to many times and is often sung as a lullaby at bedtime.