Joe is tall. He likes sticking his neck out into the world. His friend, Sparky, is short and more cautious, but their friendship takes them places together. Joe is a giraffe, Sparky a turtle in books for young readers by Barrington resident Jamie Michalak. Jamie’s third book about Joe and Sparky, Joe and Sparky Go to School, came out this summer.
In the latest adventure, Joe and Sparky discover school is a surprising place. They learn the school’s rest room is actually not designed for taking a nap, but contains a “magic pond” that appears and disappears. The author’s previous two books about Joe and Sparky, Joe and Sparky Get New Wheels and Joe and Sparky Superstars have earned her a following of fans who enjoy the hilarious stories and playful illustrations by Frank Remkiewicz.
Each Joe and Sparky book is four short chapters, designed for five to eight year olds. Jamie said writing can be a solitary occupation, and she enjoys the opportunities she has to talk to young students about writing. The latest book was inspired by one of those visits. “I looked out at the kids in the audience and imagined Joe and Sparky sitting with them. I wondered what it would be like if Joe and Sparky went to school, too.” The book also incorporated pieces of her family life in Barrington, including the S.T.A.R. incentive program at Sowams School and the guinea pig who lives in the public library. A launch party is planned for Saturday, September 7 at Barrington Books. 184 County Road, Barrington. 401-245-7925.
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