On Thursday, January 19, Skyline R-2 School was presented with a new, boxed set of the 'Little House' book series by The Laura Ingalls Wilder Children's Literature Festival Committee. Skyline's librarian, Mrs. Jess Harley, had applied for the generous donation and was selected as the first recipient. Members of the Committee presented the book set during a school-wide assembly where they also spoke of children's book illustrator, and former Skyline student, Chuck Todd. In 2021, the Committee awarded Mr. Todd with the Laura Ingalls Wilder Children's Literature Award for Outstanding Illustrator in children's book illustration.
"The Laura Ingalls Wilder books bring back fond memories from my childhood. In the fourth grade at Skyline R-2 south of Norwood, my mom was my teacher (in 4th Grade and later in 6th Grade). That year the 4th Grade and 3rd Grade were a combined classroom, with 4th on one side and 3rd grade on the other. My mom had her hands full! I remember we had a time each day where we had milk and a snack in the afternoons at our desks. To keep us calm and quiet, she would reward us by reading books to the class from her desk. 'Little House in the Big Woods' and 'Little House on the Prairie' were two that I distinctly remember her reading to us." ~ Chuck Todd
The Committee also presented autographed copies of, 'Is That a Skunk?' and 'There's an Opossum in my Backyard', which Todd illustrated.
We at Skyline would like thank the Committee for selecting us as this year's recipient. The Laura Ingalls Wilder Children's Literature Festival is held each year in Laura Ingalls Wilder's hometown of Mansfield during the first week of November. More information about the Festival can be found at www.liwclf.com.
Pictured from left to right:Skyline School librarian, Jess Harley; Committee members, Vicki Johnston, Rev. Nicholas Inman, Darlene Sorenson & grandson, and Charlotte Karr.