A preschool class at the Buffalo Jewish Community Center wrote me and Sammy Spider because the children are learning about authors. The class concluded their request by writing, “It is always amazing when we can help the children understand that authors are real people too.” MAYBE YOU WILL WRITE TO SAMMY AND ME TOO?
1. How old is Sammy?
Although the first story about Sammy was published 27 years ago, Sammy is the same age as you. How old are you?THIS IS THE FIRST SAMMY SPIDER BOOK AND IT WAS PUBLISHED IN 1993
2. Where do you live?
I live in California in a house near the beach. I have attached a photo of my neighborhood, house and a picture of Sammy on my front porch. Have you ever been to the beach?
3. Where does Sammy live?
Sammy lives in a web in my house. I have attached a picture of Sammy in his web. I don’t imagine that any of you live in a web?
4. Why does he spin webs?
He spins webs because his mother asks him to. I’m sure all of you listen when your Mommies, Daddies and teachers ask you to do something. The web is also a spider’s home. It is sticky and traps food that spiders eat. They like eating flies and other insects. You probably like other foods. What do you like to eat?
5. Why is this book about spiders?
I wanted to write a story about a character that could watch all the wonderful holiday celebrations that take place in a Jewish home. I thought a spider would be the perfect character. Sometimes children and adults are afraid of spiders and other bugs. I hope you find Sammy lovable and not frightening and that you love the Jewish holidays as much as he does. Which holiday is your favorite?
“Thank you so much for answering all of our questions and sending such fantastic photos for the children to see. They loved finding Sammy and all of the pictures and had a great time reading new Sammy books. (This is) the bulletin board that the children created as they read your books all week. ” from Betsy Abramson, Director of Early Childhood Education at the JCC, Benderson Family Building, Buffalo, New York.
6. Why did you pick the name Sammy?
Sammy was the name of a little boy who was in my class when I was a preschool teacher. He was very curious and was constantly asking questions from the time he came to school in the morning until he went home in the afternoon. How did you get your names? Are you named after someone special too?
7. Do you have a pet at home?
I have a dog named Emmy. We rescued her when she was a puppy and she is now 13 years old. I have attached a photo of her with Sammy. She is very sweet and loves little children. Do you have a pet too?
8. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
I like chocolate and vanilla ice cream but I like ice cream cake the very best! Sometimes Sammy likes people food too! I have attached a photo of him hoping to eat my slice of ice cream cake. See if you can find something else in the photo that Sammy likes even better!
