It’s been a few months since we brought you news from the Galactic Poetry Cosmic Library, where Catalina Neon and her dog, Tortilla, have been waiting for instruction from second and third graders around the country. Since we know you’ve been on the edge of your seats just as we have, we’re especially excited to share that the next chapter of “The Technicolor Adventures of Catalina Neon” is here!
In the last chapter, Catalina and Tortilla hopped over the forbidden fence and, after discovering a crashed UFO, were both immediately pursued by laser-beaming aliens. In what they thought was an attempt to escape the aliens for good, the two tumbled down a gooey tunnel and found themselves at the doorstep of the Galactic Poetry Cosmic Library. What’s at the top of the stairs? What’s the deal with the crashed UFO, anyway? These answers and more can be found in Chapter Three!
As with the first prompt, we were overwhelmed by colorful, creative contributions from second and third graders and their school librarians. This time around, Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera chose four of his favorite storyline ideas and, with illustrator extraordinaire Juana Medina, wove those ideas into the new chapter.
For their brilliant neon fuel, we thank the librarians, teachers, and students who propelled Chapter Three forward:
- Librarian Catherine Scholl, teacher Beth Porter, and students at Country Day School of the Sacred Heart, Bryn Mawr, PA
- Librarian Christy Marshall, teacher Peggy Shaw, and students at Clemens Crossing Elementary School, Columbia, MD
- Librarian Sara Jauniskis, teachers Kim Casalena and Kristan Fiori, and students at Sprague Elementary School, Wellesley, MA
And onward again we go!
Are you a school or community librarian, teacher, or after-school program director? We’re looking at you: Between now and March 10, read Chapter Three with your second and third graders and then submit your responses to the prompt for the next chapter. Catalina and Tortilla are waiting!