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Wan Wan Means Woof Woof: The Story of Hachiko Waits
Program Categories
Authors and Illustrators, Animal Programs, Historical Programs and Characters
Audience Age
grades 4 and up
Lesléa Newman's novel, Hachiko Waits is based on the true story of the famous Akita who lived in Japan from 1923 until 1935 and spent the last ten years of his life waiting at Shibuya train station for his master's return. Lesléa Newman has always been an animal lover, and as soon as she heard Hachiko's story, she knew she wanted to write about it. In this presentation, she shares how she traveled back in time and across the ocean without leaving home (well, she did spend a lot of time at the library). Using photographs, artifacts and early drafts of the book, Lesléa Newman will discuss how she went about her research, what she discovered along the way, and how she wrote (and rewrote and rewrote!).
$950. SCHOOLS: $950 for full day (up to five presentations plus booksigning); $500 for half day (2 presentations plus booksignings). Schools must pay travel and hotel. LIBRARIES: $500 plus travel and hotel for one presentation. ALL FEES NEGOTIABLE.
Group Size
up to sixty children per group
Program Length
45 minutes
large table for display of books, photos and artifacts
Last Modified
02/23/2004
Recent Library/School Appearances by Lesléa Newman
Jackson Street Elementary School
Northampton, MA
413-587-1510
Robert K. Finn Ryan Road School
Florence, MA
413-587-1550
Forbes Library
Northampton, , MA
413-587-1011
Performer’s Contact Information
Lesléa Newman
Lesléa NewmanPO Box 815
Northampton, MA 01061
What others have to say: "Our class loved your visit! You kept my first graders engaged with your stories and photographs, drawing them into the writing process (and the mind of you, the writer) in a way in which they could relate. There was a nice correlation between your published work, with which they had some familiarity, and you as presenter--in person you are as lively and funny as in your books! Cats, Cats, Cats! and Pigs, Pigs, Pigs! have been a big hit in our classroom. I am thrilled to add your books to my teaching repertoire! Thank you so much for sharing your craft and your life with our children!" --Mary Bates, Jackson Street School***** "As Children's Department Manager at Beyond Words Bookshop in Northampton, MA, I had the pleasure of working with Lesléa Newman on two different occassions. Both were events at the bookstore designed to promote Lesléa's wonderful children's books. These events were attended by families of all ages. Lesléa's graciousness and light-hearted banter kept all entertained. Her work is delightful and accessible to children. The lyrical quality of the prose engages even the most finicky of listeners. Lesléa will inspire any persons fortunate enough to work with her." --Jennifer Murphy***** "Lesléa Newman is a terrific advocate for children and reading. She's direct, funny, full of information, and a wonderful writer, too. If I had a school, I'd invite her. And make her stay for dinner as well!" --Jane Yolen, author of over 250 books including Owl Moon, How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? and The Devil's Arithmetic***** "We had the honor of having Lesléa Newman facilitate our retreat in July 2003. Some of the comments we received on our evaluations included: "Exceeded my expectations", "Absolutely great","I'm amazed at how much writing I accomplished." I would highly recommend Lesléa to any group who wants to grow in their creativity. Because she is equally gifted at facilitating hands-on workshops or giving talks, she would enrich any type of workshop or conference on children's books and writing for children." --Denise Vega, Steering Committee, SCBWI (Rocky Mountain Chapter)