"The 'toilets' was a big hit with the kids. Ability to relate to the kids and make kids laugh was fantastic! It was exciting for the kids to meet an author/poet."
— Amy Nielson, parent at Hilton Quest Elementary School, Hilton, NY
***
"The quality of the program was excellent. Joe did a great job holding the attention of the audience and keeping the children involved."
— Lorrie Offermann, elementary teacher, St. Pius Tenth School, Gates, NY
***
"It is a remarkable opportunity to meet with a published author. Your
children thoroughly enjoyed the poetry that poet/author Joe Sottile
shared with Mrs. Beaudoin's and our class. You may recall, that Mr.
Sottile was a teacher and has years of kid observing to use in his
writing. He has a good sense of a child's world and demonstrated to
our budding writers that using what you know and love is always a good
place to begin writing."
— Janice Quinn, 1st grade teacher, Seton Catholic School, Rochester, NY
***
"Joe was wonderful with the 1st graders. They loved his poems, his
hat, and his April Fool's joke."
— Mary Lou Beaudoin, 1st grade teacher, Seton Catholic School, Rochester, NY
***
"Poet, Silly Sottile visited our class on Tuesday, April 1st, and
shared not only his favorite poems and illustrations, but also a bit
of the craft of writing. He gently wove his writing pointers for our
little first graders into a bit of his life's philosophy gleaned over
many years as a teacher. It is always remarkable opportunity to meet a
published author. Thank you, Silly Sottile."
— Mary Lou Beaudoin's newsletters (April 8, 2008)
***
"The poetry performance was fun, fascinating, informative and kept
their attention. It was motivating for them as writers to see an adult
who is excited and inspired to write. So thanks so much!!!"
— Sue Groh, 3rd grade teacher
Washington Elementary School, Gates, NY
***
Web Site Review
Joseph "Silly" Sottile is a retired teacher and a professional writer
and poet. His enthusiasm and love for poetry and his sheer enjoyment
at sharing this love with children (and adults) really shines through.
His site has fun and clever ways to introduce and encourage kids to
try their hand at writing their own poetry as well as reading poetry.
The pic with this review is my favorite one from his coloring book.
The site is full of suggestions, help, examples and so much more for
teachers and parents as well as students. Best of all there are a
whole lot of photos, too. My only complaint about the site is that I
wish there were more content. Oh, and a fuller explanation on 'chant'
poetry. I actually think I might be able to do that one. To visit
Joseph's site click here www.joe-sottile.com.
— Rayne, who runs So Many Stories.
***
"I really enjoyed your program! The students did as well. I loved your
outfit. The way you interacted with the kids was great! One thing that
really struck me was the way you had them tell you their names. [They
all shouted out their names in unison three times, and they then knew
this program was going to be fun.] The poems you showed were great,
especially "Bathroom Vacation." I plan on using the poem the next time
I have to chase the boys out of the bathroom. I really enjoyed your
program, and I want to thank you very much for sharing your talent
with our school."
— Jaime Spencer, student intern, 3rd grade
Southport Elementary School
Southport, North Carolina
***
"I would let a friend know that this is a great, fun program. There
was no rush! Mr. Sottile gave all the students attention."
— Stacie Wall, 3rd grade teacher,
St. John Neumann School,
Rochester, NY
***
"We loved having your visit! You brought poetry alive for everyone [in the cafeteria.] Picture Poetry on Parade is lots of fun on every page. We can all relate to school days that are fun, or not so fun. Included [in the book] are adventures of all kinds, presented in poetry form. Lots of fun for children and adults."
— Carol St. George, elementary teacher, Lakeshore Elementary School, Greece, NY
***
"I was very impressed with the change in plans to accommodate a younger audience. Great variety and flexible with the range of ages in the audience. The kids had a great time reacting to the poetry."
— Nancy Burns, Children's Librarian, Stevens Memorial Community Library, Attica, NY
***
"It was fantastic. The children loved it! I am looking forward to another visit with Silly Sottile. I can't believe how much time he spent with the children. They had a great time and he had their complete attention. They were so excited and we feel very lucky to have heard his newest book...They [the class] enjoyed the fact that some of his poems were about the principal, teachers, and not just trees, flowers, and nature."
— Lynda Mueller, first grade teacher, St. John the Evangelist School, Spencerport, NY
***
"Well done! I liked that the purposes of poetry were discussed, as well as the poetry that was presented. The students also enjoyed the fact that the presentation was interactive."
— Amy LaFever, middle school English teacher
***
"The children were clearly engaged and were able to make connections. The story they were reminded of was "First Day Jitters" by Julie Danneberg. It's similar to the poem [Sonny] about the principal. Thanks for your time."
— Kelly Pink, third grade teacher, Rochester's School # 20
***
"Your program was well-organized and designed to meet the needs of the target audience! The kids loved your presentation and it inspired them to write their own poems. Thank you for a job well done!"
— Kris Barber, third grade teacher
***
"Mr. Sottile's presentation was very lively and energetic. His audience enjoyed and responded well to him."
— Borders, Henrietta, New York
***
"This was a great introduction to poetry for students. It was fun to be entertained with words. Students enjoyed participating and could relate to the poetry. They could make a connection.
***
"The Book? Fun! Students can relate to topics. It's what they know. My favorite poem was 'Sonny' because of the surprise ending."
— Pam Valenti, librarian in Spencerport, NY
***
"Mr. Sottile was an enthusiastic speaker who truly motivated the class. Using his own book and selections he excited the kids, and he got everyone involved."
"The poetry book is wonderful. It appeals to children and sparks their excitement about poetry."
— Marlene Schultz, 5th grade teacher, Rochester, NY
***
"I loved hearing Mr. Sottile present at our school! He was wonderful with students! He created a warm, fun environment and a variety of activities that kept his audience involved and attentive. I hope that he will come again!!"
— Tami Adams-King, librarian, Ontario Center, NY
***
"Thank you for enriching our students by your visit to Mrs. Madden's Third Grade. Your enthusiasm for what you do is contagious. Thanks again!"
— Michele Minski, librarian, Rochester, NY
***
"Very well organized and enthusiastic writing workshop! The children seemed to enjoy the program very much! The directions to the writing project were wonderful! The children seemed to have a fun time completing their poems and reading them to the audience."
— Roberta Kumro, Children's Librarian, Woodward Memorial Library, LeRoy, NY
***
"This [poetry performance/workshop] is a great introduction to poetry and some of the terminology that children may need to know and understand. It was a great activity to turn simple true/false statements into a poem. The students really enjoyed it."
— Mandi Simons, 5th grade teacher, Rochester, NY
***
"Mr. Sottile's poetry brings back priceless memories! It transported me to my wonderful childhood, remembering times I thought that I forgot."***
"I've known Joe Sottile since we met in a writer's workshop almost twenty years ago. Since then, his writing gifts and powers of observation have grown smooth and supple as a favorite baseball glove. His zest for teaching its own self is as warm and sharp as ever. Poems like 'Can't Write Today' and 'Where's Your Homework?' will be required reading for college composition and literature students from now on! Lori DeLeonardis-Aman's exuberant illustrations are the perfect compliment."
— James Gamble, A.B., M.S., M.F.A., M.A., A.B.D., Adjunct Instructor, NorthWest Arkansas Community College
***
"Mr. Sottile had a great way of connecting with our students. His poetry showed his understanding of his beanie hat and what it is like to be a student. He also gave a picture of what school is like from the adult point of view.
"Picture Poetry on Parade! is a poetry book hat all students and teachers will enjoy. It presents both sides of the picture in a light and humorous way which when reflected on leads to a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other. Our students enjoy reading and sharing this book."
— Dinah Mayer, librarian, West Irondequoit, NY
***
"Mr. Sottile is very enthusiastic about his work! His presentation was fun and motivating for the students. I really enjoyed his personal poetic style. Mr. Sottile is a perfect example of 'voice'!"
— Elizabeth Coene, fifth grade teacher, West Irondequoit, NY
***
"Thoroughly enjoyable! Kept the attention of kids in grades 4-6. They laughed, chuckled, and raised their hands. Wonderful personal poems and stories about family. Great job!"
— Cathy Semrau, library clerk, West Irondequoit, NY
***
"Thanks for all the fun and laughter."
— Mrs. Deheart
***
"Thank you for a great break in the day! Love your poems!"
— Mrs. Brown
***
"Joe's poems are all about things to which kids can relate. They laughed at the illustrations and at the poems. Audience participation was good! My special ed kids especially like the pictures in his book. They enjoyed the poems, especially the ones about school."
— Martha Price, Special Education teacher, Johanna Perrin Middle School
***
"You have a high-charged presentation that highlights your poems. You were most gracious in greeting each student. The transparencies you used help keep the students interested. It was heartwarming at the end to have you recognize that to write poetry, you need to use the 4Hs. [Head, Heart, Hands, and Health]. Great connection for us!"
— Mrs. Marina Fery, Speech Teacher
***
"The children talked and talked and talked about your visit. Thank you sooo much! It was terrific!"
— Mrs. Elaine Coyle, Special Education Teacher
***
"I liked Mr. Sottile's outfit, props, [and poetry]."
— Ms. Jane Egan
***
"Thank you so much for sharing your poems. We had a blast!"
— Mrs. Mulcahy, Teacher's Aide
***
"I was so glad that I was able to stay for Silly Sottile's presentation."
— Ms. Wahl