The Great Oklahoma Animal Showdown

The Good news! ... and the bad news.

2011-11-02T03:55:00.001-07:00

Hey, all!

First the good news: The Showdown continues! Please send me any final winners/entries so that I can get those posted up! I'm sure you've been going through them, but I'm ready to have them now so I can arrange the PRIZES!

Secondly, I'm really bummed to say I won't be in Oklahoma next week after all. Last month I had a major surgery on my leg (I've been going around and around with this broken leg for ten months now) but it reached a critical point and anyway, emergency surgery and all that. I had hoped that my doctor would give me good news when I visited him for my umpteenth checkup, but it turns out he is totally against the idea of me going. (I'd be on crutches anyway, which would be … difficult).

But do not despair! This only means a couple things:

1. Prizes will STILL go out! I just won't be there in person to present them.

2. I WILL be in Oklahoma next year, though and will visit you then!

I really appreciate all the support that the teachers and librarians in Oklahoma have given me for this contest, and I thought up until yesterday I could still come to give the prizes in person, but unfortunately, not.

I'm so sorry. :-(

TIME!

2011-11-01T06:55:00.001-07:00

Hello, all!

Time to start forwarding me your winning entries so I can post them on the blog! I can't wait to see your creativity!

And I bet you can't wait to see your prizes.... :)

Thank you!

2011-08-31T05:05:00.000-07:00

Hey Showdowners!

Things continue unabated! I've heard from yet more TOTALLY awesome librarians and teachers, and I hope you're working on your entry! I can't wait to come and meet you, and give you some cool stuff!

In fact, here's a little something about me: I have to have surgery. I have a bum ankle, and instead of getting better, it keeps getting worse. SO: surgery! Ugh.

But because of you guys, I'm actually pumped up. Why? Because as of the 6th of November, I'm coming back to Oklahoma! I'm going to be visiting you! That is a great reason to get as healthy and mobile as soon as I possibly can!

So thanks.

And also? If you've heard of the Showdown, could you spread the word? The more people that know about it means more kids will take part which means more awesome entries. And you know what they say about that! (hint: cool things!)

Now. Go, and read POSSUM SUMMER! And get to creating!

Great updates!

2011-08-21T02:59:00.000-07:00

Hey Showdowners!

First off: did you know the Oklahoma Showdown has a Facebook page? True story!

Check it out HERE >>

Also - things are moving along well on all fronts. Fancy new participant Showdown bookmarks have been ordered, and should be in soon! As soon as they are, I'll be sending them out to the teachers and librarians that requested them.

If you want some for your school, just let me know! Email me and I'll get you set up!

Due to some overwhelming demand, I'm also moving the final entry closure date back to the middle of October. Then it's voting time!

Make sure you're ready! Read POSSUM SUMMER yet?

School visits!

2011-08-08T09:38:00.000-07:00

Since I've had a lot of totally awesome librarians and teachers ask me for a visit during the time I'm in Oklahoma in November, I thought I should write this post. If I could, I would go from school to school, and spend like a day at each. Unfortunately, I can't do this. SO.

I've set up a reduced rate for my visits to schools taking part in the Showdown with an extremely limited visitation spot schedule. A visit to your school would include:

- Up to three groups of kids

- 20 POSSUM SUMMER copies as giveaways inside of the visit (with signing, etc)

- A discussion agenda tailored to what you'd prefer to have (i.e., not strictly over POSSUM SUMMER unless you want that)

I can also offer as of now free 15 minute Skype visits during the Showdown for participating schools. And of course the schools that win the first prize will get to hang out por nada, along with a pizza party.

So. There you have it. Contact me at oklahomashowdown (at) gmail (DOT) com to grab your spot before they're all gone!

Welcome to you!

2011-03-24T06:09:00.000-07:00

Hello, and welcome to the Great Oklahoma Animal Showdown headquarters!

I'm starting to see schools checking out the rules and looking to enter! To you all I say: BRAVO! Way to take on the challenge!

If you have any questions, feel free to email me at

oklahomashowdown (at) jenkblom (dot) com

I'm here for you 24/7!

Don't forget!!

To sign up, go here.

To read the general rules, go here.

Great Oklahoma Showdown Informational Resources!

2011-02-03T07:49:00.000-08:00

Welcome! Since you're here for the GREAT OKLAHOMA SHOWDOWN I'd like to direct your attention to four fantastic little things you can use to beautify and usify your classroom come March!

1. POSSUM SUMMER Teacher's guide > Literature Arts!

2. POSSUM SUMMER Teacher's guide > Natural Sciences!

3. POSSUM SUMMER Reader's Guide !

aaaand

4. The OFFICIAL Oklahoma Showdown Teacher's poster!

Of course, you can also just buy POSSUM SUMMER. It's available in many places! Look over there for a list! >>

-- jen

Tomorrow is an exciting day.

2011-01-31T05:21:00.000-08:00

The 1st of February is the official begin date for the GREAT OKLAHOMA SHOWDOWN!

*cheers*

Special envelopes containing all the details, a letter to the superintendent/principal of the district as well as a nifty flyer are making their way to Oklahoma from Germany.

This is a very exciting contest, and the result of over a year's planning. I'd like to thank my publisher, HOLIDAY HOUSE, as well as the different teachers who have generously allowed their brains to be picked in order that this be the most exciting showdown ever. And of course, my agent and husband, as well as BFF, for listening to details and shooting down the more outlandish ones.

Get your copy or check it out from your local library, read, and participate! I can't wait to welcome you to the great group of kids who'll be taking part!

- jen