Dear Reader

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All-weather tree fort

Child's drawing of an all-weather tree fort

Dear Sophie,

Your family-made tree fort is very special, indeed. I admire how strongly it has been built, using a tree along with some posts and footings to keep you and your guests safe. I’m sure it will stand up to every kind of weather. You must have had so much fun building it.

Does your dog rush around your tree fort because it is scared of lightning? My dog is fine with lightning. Just don’t bring out a vacuum, or a rake, or a garden hose. Those terrify her.

I hope you get to share your tree fort soon with friends and your granddad who helped you build it. You have a very special place to share.

Happy reading,

Jessica

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Tree house with ghost and unicorn

Child's drawing of a treehouse shaped like a spaceship

Dear Aarin,

Thank you for your drawing of a tree house. It looks to me as if the leaves are just coming out. It is Spring.

What I especially like is how you’ve filled your small space with imagination. You’re wearing a wonderful warrior uniform, complete with a sword. You’re pals with a multi-colored unicorn. There’s a friendly ghost lurking in the attic. And there seems to be complicated plumbing beneath your feet. What a lovely mix of fantasy, science-fiction, and a how-to manual. This would make a fine cover for a book you might write. Well done, you!

Happy reading,

Jessica

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Trees with bluejays

Child's drawing of three trees with bluejays

Dear Fenix,

I chose your lovely letter today because of the trees you’ve drawn. I especially appreciate the bluejays tucked into the highest limbs. I have some of those visiting my small backyard from time to time. Their calls sound like a squeaky clothesline to me. I love writing with nothing but the sounds of birdsong in the background. It helps me concentrate and at the same time, reminds me that I am part of the larger world.

Sadly, a giant maple tree in my backyard must now be taken down. Its limbs have been heavily damaged by the hurricanes we have been hit with, and now the tree poses a danger to the houses in my neighbourhood. It will be such a loss, almost like a beloved pet. We will take great care with the rest of the plants in our yard, and perhaps plant a new tree next to the stump for future generations to enjoy.

Your drawing gives me hope.

Happy reading,

Jessica

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Suited up

Child's drawing of astronaut in space suit on Mars

Dear Jessica,

Thank you so much for your letter about what would be your first words if you landed on Mars. You wrote:

Nothing in this universe is impossible if you believe in yourself with all your heart.

I find your message so reassuring, especially because of our difficult situation worldwide as we continue to struggle with the pandemic. Beautifully written words can be so powerful! That’s what excites me most about writing and sharing that experience during author school visits. I also like your drawing, because it reminds me of the daily news reports during the pandemic that featured our healthcare heroes in their protective suits.

Stay well and happy reading,

Jessica

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Stuck at home

Child's drawing of scultping at a desk, bird's eye view.

Dear Sadie,

I chose your letter because so many children had been stuck at home during the pandemic. Mostly this was fun, but I know that sometimes they just wanted to have their own quiet space or simply go outside and play with friends. And some families live in separate homes, so there were children who hadn’t seen one of their parents or a grandparent for a very long time, like you.

I really like how you show your dad that you love him, by taking clay and making a sculpture that looks like him. For the rest of us, maybe we could draw someone in our family doing their favourite thing, or write a story about them, and then share what we made with them. I bet that the family member you picked will keep the drawing or the story forever, long past this pandemic that I hope is nearly over. I will be so happy to get back into classrooms as a visiting author, to chat with students in person.

Stay well,

Jessica

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Red bird

Child's drawing of a red bird in the jungle

Dear Danica,

Red is one of my favourite colours. I especially like red shoes, red ladybugs and red maple leaf flags. I do remember you because you asked a question during my author visit to your class. Pro tip: ask a question at anyone’s presentation, and you’ll always be remembered. Authors love questions!

I also remember that I told you my favourite bird is a puffin. They are so funny to watch fly, and the sounds they make are hilarious. Google it! Is that why you guessed that my favourite colours are black, white and orange? Clever you!

Happy reading,

Jessica