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***Update May 5, 2013: This offer also applies to bookstores and libraries who are hosting Summer Reading Clubs this year, anywhere in the world.
***Update May 7, 2013: Free I'M BORED Kids' Summer Book Club Party kit tips with print-ready materials.
FOR TEACHERS, BOOKSTORE OWNERS AND LIBRARIANS:
Classes, book clubs and reading groups anywhere in the world are welcome to write a letter to the illustrator about I'M BORED:
Photo by Mahtab Narsimhan.Debbie Ridpath OhiI will write back to the entire class/group. Teachers are asked to please write CLEARLY the name of each student on his or her letter beneath the signature, so I can mention them in my response -- please also include a list of all the student names on a separate sheet of paper, to make it easier for me to doublecheck that I haven't left anyone out. I'd also appreciate it if teachers would include an e-mail address, just in case I have questions.
Please allow 3-4 weeks for a response. I usually get back much sooner, but it depends on my work schedule and how many letters I receive. If I'm going to be away or extra busy for an extended period of time, I will post a warning at the top of this page. No need to include a self-addressed stamped envelope if your return address is at a school, bookstore or library. Schools/bookstores/libraries from any country may participate.
I can't guarantee responses to letters about anything other than I'M BORED, sorry. For more general questions about how to become a children's book illustrator, advice about getting into the business, etc., please refer to my answers to Frequently Asked Questions. I am also unable to provide individual critiques or career advice - again, please do refer to my FAQ. For inquiries not related to class letters, please use my regular contact form, thanks.
In photo: some letters from Ms. O’Neil’s Grade One Class at Fairmount Elementary School
OTHER SUGGESTIONS FOR CLASS LETTERS:
(To teachers: you can find other suggestions, print-ready activity sheets and more in the I'M BORED Bonus page)
How do you keep from being bored? I would love to see your drawings and letters.
What are some other ways that the Little Girl or Potato in I'M BORED can keep from being bored?
If I'M BORED was going to be printed again, do YOU have a suggestion for a cover? I would love to see it!
The Potato has no clothes in I'M BORED. I'd love to see your drawings of clothes you think the Potato could wear to keep from being bored.
Do you have your own story about the characters in I'M BORED? I'd love to read them. Or maybe a story about YOU and the Potato?
What part of I'M BORED did you like the best?
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I'M BORED BOOKPLATES SIGNED BY THE ILLUSTRATOR:
If you'd like a personalized bookplate signed by Debbie to stick in the front of your copy of I'M BORED, please fill out this form. An alternative: get a digital autograph that you can view on your e-reader device, or print out; if you're printing it out, you'll need to shrink the image for it to fit inside the front cover.
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IMPORTANT NOTE: I had to change my P.O. Box in 2012, so if you wrote to me and never heard back, please do send me e-mail letting me know. I apologize for this inconvenience, and I promise to write a letter to any class who sent me surface mail.