A true gentleman, magician, and all round wizard with words, Sid Fleischman, has left us.
On March 17. Very apropos.
My three favorite memories: attending one of his SCBWI workshops where he shared card and word tricks; when he asked me to sign a copy of Hattie Big Sky to him at the SCBWI conference, perhaps in 2007 or 2008; and when he spoke at the Seattle SCBWI conference and bestowed upon me a thoughtful gift for arranging for his transportation to and fro (courtesy my then soon-to-be-son-in-law).
He was a lovely, lovely man.
The world is smaller this week. Much, much smaller.
This is so sad to hear. I met him at a conference in L.A. I approached him to get a picture, and before I spoke he said, "Whatever it is, the answer is YES." I had another dealing with him that same weekend. On both occassions he was exceedingly kind and generous. A very rare character, for sure.
ReplyDeleteOne of the first books I remember loving as a child was "By the Great Hornspoon." I thought every kid should have a butler like Praiseworthy.
ReplyDeleteRIP Mr. Fleischman.
Shelley
OH NO!!! The world is a lesser place. I am bereft.
ReplyDeleteI read BY THE GREAT HORNSPOON! with my students last year. We loved it. Sid will be missed.
ReplyDeleteI was so sorry to read about Mr. Fleischman. What a wonderful writer, with a kind and generous heart.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard this news. I too was a big fan on his books growing up and today. One of the giants...
ReplyDelete