"A classic children's story retold for our times."
"A heartfelt eulogy and a musical inspiration."
Rain or shine and with his saxophone case in hand, Hosea rides the bus to the City of Rochester Public Market. Joyfully, he plays for everyone there, but especially for the children. Today, will he earn enough money to surprise one special child?
An Author’s Note gives a deeper glimpse into the life of Hosea Missouri Taylor, Jr. – a street musician and community advocate who elevated the lives of those in his community, “simply” by being himself.
Captain Milo is ready for takeoff! If only he didn’t have to wait for his Second-in-Command—or as he also calls her, Mom—to report for duty. Yet Mom’s list of daily tasks grows ever longer, and she can’t launch until they’re done. When the weather forecast predicts a middle-of-the-night meteor storm, will she have enough time to accomplish this magical meteor mission with him?
Our Writer-in-Residence, Kathleen Blasi, delivered material to our students in a way that got them excited to write! She broke down her writing process, so that by the end, the students had a piece of writing to be proud of. I cannot say enough good things about Kathleen as a presenter, an example, and a teacher.
– Stephen Baker, Teacher, Warsaw (New York) Elementary School
Upcoming Events
World Read Aloud Day - February 1, 2023
LitWorld’s mission is “to strenthen kids and communities through the power of stories.”
Kathleen is excited to again participate in World Read Aloud Day and share her love of story and storytelling.
To reserve a time slot, please visit Kate Messner’s website for more information. Special thanks to Kate, a steadfast advocate in the KidLit world!
Oriskany Elementary School - March 3, 2023
It will be an honor for Kathleen to visit the PK-6 grade students, as part of the District’s PARP program. This year’s them is Social/Emotional Learning, and her presentations will be centered on HOSEA PLAYS ON and the true-life street musician’s legacy of kindness and impact.
Monroe Community College - November 5, 2022, 10AM-4PM
Kathleen is so excited that the Rochester Children’s Book Festival – now 25 years old – is back and in-person! Thank you to all sponsors and participating authors and illustrators. But especially to the organizers who log countless hours bringing this free celebration of literacy and literature to our community.
Writerly Ramblings
Connecting with Readers is Magic!
The stories I’ve enjoyed all my life are those to which I feel a strong connection. I don’t know a reader who doesn’t feel this way. But it wasn’t until I became a writer that I fully appreciated that sentiment. Before, I would say whether I liked a book. It was a...
A Special Teacher’s Legacy
In early 2016, a teacher emailed me, looking for someone to conduct a week-long writing workshop for the all the third-graders in his school. We set up a phone interview, had a fruitful conversation, and before I knew it, Mr. Baker was referring to when my visits...
Book Love
You know that saying – you don’t really know what you have until it’s gone? In this case, it’s not really gone – just on hiatus. Hugs. From kids (who are not my own). The first time it happened at a school visit, I was surprised. I figured after an author does a...
Schedule a Visit or Speaking Engagement
kathy@kmblasi.com
Contact Kathleen
kathy@kmblasi.com