This One is Hit Out of the Park!

This is the kind of review that performers dream about getting. Theresa Clark hit this one out of the park for me. Thank you, Theresa...


“You bought the poetry to life. You combined your experiences in each poem that you shared with the boys and girls.

“I enjoyed your delivery. You have such excitement and energy when sharing.

“I enjoyed the presentation. You involved the boys and girls which allowed them to be active listeners throughout the assembly.”—Theresa Clark, 3^rd grade teacher, Elizabeth Cady Stanton Elementary School

Ship ahoy! Follow the Light!

I really enjoy collecting quotes. I started as a very young writer by writing down quotes from Reader’s Digest that was delivered to my parent’s household. Here is one by Robert Penn Warren:

“Insofar as writing goes, the writer’s fundamental attempt is to understand the meaning of his own experiences. If he can’t break through to those issues that concern him deeply, he’s not going to be very good.”

Several weeks ago I visited the Elizabeth Cady Stanton Elementary School in Seneca Falls. Guess what day it was? Right, Silly Hat Day! Later some of the teachers sent me reviews of the "Silly Sottile Poetry Show."


Here are the reviews:

“You [Joe] have a very nice rapport with the children. My fourth graders really enjoyed your stories and poems.” Fourth grade teacher, Michele Marconi, Elizabeth Cady Stanton Elementary School

“Mr. Sottile was very well prepared, considerate and understanding to the age level [of the students at the assembly].” Michael Pucino, teacher, Elizabeth Cady Stanton Elementary School

“I liked the interactive parts of the program where students were responsive when poems were read. It kept them engaged.” Miss Kate Smithler, Elizabeth Cady Stanton 

4 New Book Reviews for WAITING TO SEE THE PRINCIPAL AND OTHER POEMS!

Here are four new book reviews that were written last month after I visited the Elizabeth Cady Stanton Elementary School in Seneca Falls.


“A great book! Fun and engaging poetry for children.” Fourth grade teacher,  Michele Marconi, Elizabeth Cady Stanton Elementary School

“This book [Waiting to See the Principal and Other Poems] really hits the hearts of the young and the ‘young hearted.’” Michael Pucino, teacher, Elizabeth Cady Stanton Elementary School


“I love the poems in the book. Very kid-friendly.” Melissa Caswell, teacher, Elizabeth Cady Stanton Elementary School


“The poems were very kid-friendly, and the addition of the illustrations only adds to the poems. I like how many of the poems adds multiple perspectives in a very accurate way!” Kate Smithler, Elizabeth Cady Stanton Elementary School

Costa Rica Calls for 101 SECRETS!

My first "review" of 1O1 SECRETS! A KNAPSACK OF INSPIRATION AND HOPE is in, and it comes from a friend who is a very independent thinker. She and her husband Ron retired to Costa Rica. They built a home and turned one of the large rooms in their home into a local library out of the goodness of their hearts. And this is what she wrote about 101 SECRETS!:

I just read your book and think it is very worthwhile and a book that needs to be read by every “tweenager.” We have sent it on to a couple of teacher friends. Do you see the possibility of a Spanish translation in your future? I would love to buy one for my library. This book could make the difference in so many children's lives!

Love, to you and Marilyn,

Suzanne Yankowski

Yes, Wear a Silly Hat!

I love this photo. At least one young lady knows that her photo is being taken, while wearing her silly hat and a smile. Some schools outlaw hats. They are considered it a distraction to education. Rather sad, eh? I've been in such schools. I always like schools that allow all kinds of hats better?

What do you think?