Friday, March 30, 2018

ReFoReMo Appreciation Day & Rafflecopter


Reading for Research Month, or ReFoReMo, is a collaborative effort that would not be possible without teamwork. The many perspectives shared this month contributed to our dedicated mentor text study.

We are so thankful for every presenter that contributed to our 2018 ReFoReMo challenge!











We're additionally grateful to our ReFoReMo team members; Cindy's list-gathering efforts, Janie's Facebook Group welcoming/approval and sharing efforts, and Keila's sharing efforts.






And of course, Carrie and I are thankful for each other. This challenge is a labor of love for us and we are honored to have you, the participants share the experience with us!









Today is also a day of celebration: You completed ReFoReMo 2018! Please share your accomplishments with us in the comments below. Congratulations!

If you registered for ReFoReMo by March 4, commented on every post, and made efforts to read and research picture books consistently during this past month, then please feel free to enter the prize drawings below. To see the variety of prizes in this drawing, use the dots to scroll through. We are thankful to our presenters for going above and beyond to offer these extras! You will only enter the drawing Rafflecopter one time, but be sure to do it by April 4. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

155 comments:

  1. Thank you to all the participants of ReFoREMo. I have especially enjoyed being Introduced to so many new picture books. It has also been very rewarding to review familiar books with fresh perspectives or greater focus. I can honestly say that I believe I have become a better writer by participating in this wonderful challenge. I am excited to apply what I have learned. I hope to participate again next year.

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  2. Thank you to all of you for ReFoReMo!

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  3. ReFoReMo rocks! I'm so sad it is over! Wait . . . that means I now get to reread every post in April! Yay! Thank you to everyone involved for this wonderful opportunity to learn.

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    1. Yes, Sharon! Keep digging deep. Rereading is the key!

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  4. It ain't over until it's over! Wait! It's over? No, it's never over! Thank you for an inspiring month!

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    1. Well you know that we will still have the regular blog back up and running after our blog break. But we will be featuring book reviews from our participants in April. If you have one...send it in. http://www.reforemo.com/p/submissions.html

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  5. Thanks for the great experience!

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  6. Thank you for helping me grow my craft. This month has been a joy!

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  7. Thank you all for a wonderful challenge. I am so sad it's over. I will miss the daily posts. But I gained some very valuable mentor text and loads of information. It will take the next couple of months to synthesize it all. Thanks again Kelli and Carrie for providing this opportunity

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    1. Kirsti and I are delighted to help you gain insight, Maria!

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  8. Thanks again Carrie and Kirsti. I am richer in research because of you both and huge thanks to each presenter.

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  9. Thank you to each and every contributor and Carrie & Kirsti, of course. It has been an inspiring month that whizzed by!

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    1. It did whiz by, Katelyn! No worries, there is more in store!

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  10. I send Carrie, Kirsti, and all the amazing contributors lots and lots of virtual hugs! The content shared was so motivational, and the mentor texts suggested were so powerful. This month has been yet another amazing ReFoReMo experience for me, and I thank you all most sincerely!

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  11. Thank you to everyone for ReFoReMo! I have loved this month and hate to see it end. I have been so inspired to write, and when I got stuck, I reached into my ReFoReMo toolbox and pulled out just what I needed. See you next year!

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  12. Thank you so much. This has been a wonderful month. Already looking forward to ReFoReMo 2019

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    1. Great! 'Til then, access the monthly challenges on the blog. :)

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  13. Woohoo! You guys rock! Thank you for all your hard work and thank you to the generous time and insight and prizes offered by each contributing professional!

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  14. Thank you for all the effort this took to put together. I'm grateful for the opportunity to look at so many mentor texts with guidance and direction from those who know picture books. Next step, put it all to good use!

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  15. Thank you to all of the contributors to ReFoReMo! I will be rereading these posts and studying these books again in the days and weeks ahead. This community is generous and supportive in sharing it’s craft. I am grateful for this experience.

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  16. Thank you so much! I learned a lot and am continuing to check out more books for some self study. I’m going to go back to past ReFoReMos next! Thank you for making this rich resource available.

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  17. Thank you so much. It's been a crazy month at our house so I haven't done any new writing, but this challenge will most certainly be a great resource when I start writing again!

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    1. I understand... I need to pick the pencil back up, too. Just how to find the time?

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  18. It's been a great month delving into picture books! So many take-aways and ah-ha moments. Thank you ReFoReMo!!!

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  19. Thanks SO MUCH to everyone who made ReFoReMo possible. I'm actually stunned that it went by so fast. When I first started a few years ago, I could barely make it through, lol. But now I'm up early every morning because I can't wait to see who's posting and what tips they have to share. You are ALL appreciated more than you know. <3

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    1. Thank you, Rita! All efforts are great and we understand the need to go at your own pace when needed. We certainly have to. :)

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  20. This has been a learning experience for me. The importance of reading, reading, reading before writing was brought home to me during this wonderful month. Thank you.

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    1. It will change your life and writing if you keep the habit going. :) Happy reading, Susan!

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  21. I’m thankful for the entire REFOREMO team and mentors. Thank you for your dedication, hard work, and passion!

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  22. Thank you, ReFoReMo team and contributors. I enjoyed reading the insights from the presenters and studying the many "new to me" mentor texts

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  23. Wonderful as always. Thank you to everyone who writes and helps to make Reforemo a reality!

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  24. Thank you so much. First year I actually made it all the way through! Still waiting on a few books from the library, but will definitely finish this up. Appreciate it!

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  25. I'm sad to see my daily dose of knowledge and inspiration come to an end. It's been a fantastic month. A huge thanks to all the organizers and presenters.

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  26. Thank you for a fabulous March. My library is a little fuller now. Thank you so much.

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  27. Thank you so much, I had a fantastic learning month!

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  28. I made it through! So many great ideas and perspectives to learn from. What a great month! Thank you all so much for your insight and the community experience!

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  29. I was reticent about joining ReFoReMo; it seemed like a lot of work on top of all the work I already had! But I challenged myself, and got to the library just in time. So glad that I did!! I intend to look at past years' lists and read those too over the summer. Thank you, thank you for everyone's hard work and input!!

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  30. Thank you for another awesome month! As usual it was great getting your takes and insights on so many amazing books and ways to research.

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  31. Thank you all! I know this must be a tremendous amount of work, but it is so valuable.

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  32. Thank you for a great learning experience. Blessings!
    Maritza M. Mejia

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  33. Every year I look forward to ReFoReMo. Once again, this month has provided opportunities to learn & grow as a writer.

    Your generosity is appreciated. Thank you.
    Suzy Leopold

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  34. I soaked up all the "words of wisdom" shared this month. Thank you to all that contributed!

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  35. Thank you ReFoReMo team! You add so much to our kidlit community.

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  36. Thank you to all who shepherded us along this journey. I read PBs all the time, but I always love ReFoReMo for the focus it brings (and titles I have missed!).

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  37. Each year, Reforemo introduced me to stellar quality mentor texts that I otherwise would have missed. Some of these texts have taught me, inspired my writing, and opened new worlds. It was Reforemo my very first year that also allowed me to meet my Critique group, which has been TREMENDOUS in my learning experience and writing journey. Thank you for being here.

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  38. Thanks so much for all the book recommendations!

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  39. This has been a wonderful month - of informative posts and amazing books. Thanks to everyone!

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  40. ReFoReMo has encouraged me to read many more picture books than I ordinarily would in the three years of my participation. Since 2016 I'm in the habit of keeping my local librarians busy and have read hundreds of picture books now. Thank you for all your hard work in pulling this challenge together, Carrie and Kirsti.

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  41. I really enjoy learning about some books I wasn't familiar with. Thank you to all the contributors!

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  42. As always, you have made this month a great one for: reminding me of some basics, helping me learn to stretch, offering me inspiration to try my hand at something new, and opening my eyes to some new-to-me awesome picture books that are out there. Thanks for another great year!

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  43. Thank you! I would have never read most of these wonderful books without your prompting!

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  44. This year was great! I always love experiencing new stories. I appreciate all who made this another successful ReFoReMo!

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  45. Thanks for a fantastic month or learning and discovery. I learned a lot from this experience. Happy Reading and writing to all!

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  46. I learned a lot about ways to structure stories with repetition and how-to books. I also learned new to ways to think about board books before I begin writing a new one. I read so many books that I might not have read otherwise and I got something out of everyone of them because I was on a mission to look. I'm excited to try out some new things in my writing!

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  47. Great month. So much to absorb!

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  48. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! This month has been inspirational. I’ve loved reading mentor texts with focus and discovering why the work. It has given me ideas for new stories and encouraged me to push out of my comfort zone. I 💗ReFeReMo!!!

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  49. thanks to you and all the contributors for a fantastic month, learning that will continue, and many library trips!

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  50. I have had a blast doing ReFoReMo this year!!! For some reason, once I settled on not worrying how fast I was able to order each book through the library system, or how many I was missing in a given day, I was able to just focus on learning. The topics were very helpful, and the mentor texts were so diverse. I am thrilled that I decided to join again this year. I am already looking forward to next year! Thank you to the organizers and the contributors. You are all blessings to us readers!

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  51. Thanks for another fantastic ReFoReMo! I really appreciate all your efforts to plan and pull off the event every year, and thank you to all the contributors for your words of wisdom and excellent mentor text suggestions!

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  52. This is what I do in March and I am never disappointed. I learn new things about our craft, I discover new books to love, and I am filled with new ideas. Thanks, everybody!

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  53. Thank you so much to Carrie and all of those who posted. I could not have enjoyed this more...and will absolutely do it again!

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  54. Thanks so much to all for a great month of learning!

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  55. Thank you to everyone involved with ReFoReMo! You inspire, motivate and affirm. The best!

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  56. Wonderful month of sharing picture books. Thanks to all of you! We can't stop reading. We can't stop writing!

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  57. Thank you, Kirsti, Carrie, and team, for ReFoReMo 2018! Thank you to all the presenters who gave tips and picture book examples. I look forward to this event every year. Studying the text of suggested books adds to my writer's tool box, and fuels me with ideas. I carry ReFoReMo with me throughout the year!

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  58. Wonderful learning experience, thank you amazing team!

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  59. Thanks for a terrific month of mentor texts and inspiration!

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  60. Thank you all for all the hard work you did to help all of us to succeed in our writing,

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  61. Super dooper month of wonderful mentor text readings and studying about great picture books! I know I found some new favorites, was inspired by strong writing, and even added a few new ideas to my list of future projects. Thanks to all of you for the hard work!!! Thanks for sharing your expertise with us! :)

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  62. Thank you for tackling this huge project for the benefit of all kidlit lovers--readers and writers. I've learned so much this month and have been amazed at the variety of voices and styles in children's literature. Experts giving detailed guidance in interpreting these is just invaluable. Thank you again, Susan

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  63. What fun! It was great to study PB titles new and old. Thanks, ReFoReMo team!

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  64. Thank you, Carrie and Kirsti, for working so hard to put ReFoReMo together. I look forward to it each year!

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  65. March has flown by so quickly! I looked forward to the blogs and mentor texts of each day with great anticipation. I have read just about all the books and now need time to synthesize what I have learned so that I can apply my newfound knowledge to my own work and see how to improve it. Reading the comments of other participants proved quite helpful also. Thanks again for the wonderful opportunity!

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  66. Alice Carty FulgioneMarch 30, 2018 at 3:05 PM

    This month has been inspiring. The blogs & book choices have truly informed my writing. Thanks so much!

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  67. This has been a wonderful month of learning. I will definitely do it next year again!

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  68. Thank you again for this time! It takes a lot of effort from all of the team and I do appreciate it!

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  69. Thank you so much for all of this! It has been an amazing month. I have been able to put what I have learned into a new picture book manuscript, so it has been great.

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  70. What a wonderful month! Thank you for taking the time and effort to pull it all together!

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  71. Thank you so much to both of you and all of the contributors for all of your hard work and efforts to make this successful. I really enjoyed the month of reading and learning!

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  72. Thank you all for taking the time to put this together! I learned so much and have new writing inspiration.

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  73. This was the best ReFoReMo yet for me. I got so inspired, I wrote two new rough drafts (and have some potential revision ideas as well!) Thank you so much to everyone that contributed to this- you are greatly appreciated!!

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  74. Now that March is over is ReFoReMo over too? NO WAY!I am staying in the ReFoReMo GROOVE ALL YEAR LONG! Even researching one book a day, just think of how much you would learn at the end of a year--and really and truly at the end of each day! I'm EXCITED to keep reading, researching, and analyzing other's work to keep improving my own--each and every day. THANK YOU SO MUCH to all those who make ReFoReMo possible, and especially for providing SUCH A RICH motivational and inspirational opportunity for personal and professional growth. I'm already counting down the days for next year's ReFoReMo! BEST OF LUCK to you all in your writing, illustrating, and researching endeavors!!!

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  75. This has been such a great exercise for me. It introduced me to several titles I would not have discovered and answered some questions I have had on my current manuscript. I also found a wonderful comp. title in the process. Thank you!

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  76. Thank you so much Carrie and Kristie for everything you did to make this possible! Also, thank you to all the participants who shared their wisdom and great book suggestions. I learned so much!!

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  77. Wow! loved it this year. the posts and the books. I look forward to reading all the books I haven't gotten to yet.

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  78. So glad I participated! I'm hoping to continue the routine of taking out a stack of picture books from my library each weekend to study over the week. Thanks for the impetus!

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  79. I learned so much from all the contributors and their recommended readings--thanks again for all you do to help us all on our paths to publication!

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  80. I don't know if I can wait a whole year to read, learn and enjoy so many wonder ideas, concepts and books from so many talented and gifted authors, illustrators, librarians and other lovers of children literature.

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  81. I can't think of a better way to discover mentor texts than ReFoReMo.

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  82. Thank you for another great challenge!

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  83. What a month! Thanks to Carrie and Kristi and to all the authors, illustrators, and editors who took their time to impart wisdom our way. :)

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  84. Thank you. ReFoReMo was great motivation to seek out new books.

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  85. It's been a busy month, but I'm so happy to say that I made it! Learned a lot from the huge variety of mentor texts. Thanks for the great insights. Looking forward to next March!

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  86. Amazing month. Flew by. Have so much good info to work with and study in the months ahead. Enjoyed it all. Thanks to everyone involved.

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  87. Extending a huge THANK YOU to all the contributors! Marching into another year armed with incredible picture books.

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  88. I'm so glad I was able to complete the challenge again this year. I love being introduced to new books and revisiting old favorites. I found some new authors who especially intrigued me and checked out their other books. I love that ReFoReMo shows me books that I might not choose on my own. I appreciated yesterday's post about transforming. You can't help but be transformed as you are reading these books--marveling at their language and illustrations and feeling, learning, connecting because of them. ReFoReMo reinforces in me why I love reading and writing picture books. Thanks again to everyone who contributed!

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  89. Thank you Carrie, Kristi,and team for a great ReFoReMo! I found some things I could incorporate right away in my writing but also plan to take this next week and then the summer to review books, sort them into my many lists for me and for teaching, and to reread posts to learn even more. Thank you again for this great learning experience!

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  90. Another amazing month of informative posts and great lists of mentor texts! So many books I had not heard of. Truly each day was something to look forward to. All your hard work, ladies, paid off for each of us.

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  91. Thank you for this most special month of inspiration and guidance and support!
    Jenna feldman

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  92. I learned of new books and what makes them special to different authors, and was inspired to think in new ways and try different kinds of writing. Thank you, Carrie and Kristi, for all your hard work putting this together, and to everyone who wrote a post!

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    1. Kirsti, your name spelling was autocorrected. Sorry!

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  93. Thanks for a wonderful month of reading picture books. and learning from various authors about writing for children! Many of the posts were very informative. Thank you, Carrie & Kristi for putting this together, and thanks to all the authors who contributed lessons from mentor texts!

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  94. Reforemo this year gave me the boost I needed to write two new drafts and revise three others. Thank you to all presenters and especially you, Carrie and Kirsti for all your time spent on this wpderful annual event!

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  95. What a huge gift you have given us, Carrie and Kirsti! Many thanks for the time you invested in us and our writing. The value gained and lessons learned will only expand as I review the texts and presenters' words and incorporate the lessons learned into my writing...and as I research more PBs. Eagerly anticipating next year's ReFoReMo! Becky Loescher

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  96. Thank you so very much for another wonderul ReFoReMo! Every year, I come away inspired and anxious to rework and write new!

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  97. This is my first ReFoReMo and it was a wonderful experience. I have learnt lots and will continue to do so with the wide range of mentor text. Thank you ReFoReMo team so much.

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  98. ReFoReMo is brilliant! Thanks so much!

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  99. Thank you for a great ReFoReMo, full of growth and reflection!

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  100. Thank you for a wonderful and informative month! I appreciate all of your efforts!

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  101. Thank you again, Carrie and Kirsti. ReFoReMo is always a learning experience!

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  102. Thanks for everything! Looking forward to doing more studying on my own. This was a great start.

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  103. Many thanks to everyone! This month is always filled with exceptional wisdom from great leaders!

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  104. What an amazing community of collective wisdom, generosity and enthusiasm for (and from) the creators and consumers of children's literature. A hat tip and heartfelt thanks to you all!

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  105. Thank you so much! This has been amazing to be a part of and I've learned so much!

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  106. Thank you for all the work put into this event. I am still reading the suggested books and plan on continuing. Very informative!

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  107. Wow! I love ReFoReMo! Thanks to all the presenters and educators, to the ReFoReMo team, and especially to Carrie and Kirsti - this is truly a transformative experience.

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  108. Thank you to all the generous contributors for a fantastic ReFoReMo!

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  109. I'm not sure what happened here, but I wrote a post the other day - cyberspace mystery! Anyway, I thank you both for creating REfoREMo. My approach to studying Picture books has changed forever, and I am empowered by the many guests' posts to grow and learn as a writer through this exercise. I'm so grateful I spent the month of March at REfoREMo learning valuable info with all of you.

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  110. So many new books for my son and I to read. Thanks to all who wrote such great posts.

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  111. Great list of books this year. It's always exciting to find new treasures. Thanks for pushing us to study more picture books!!

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  112. This year was an incredible experience. Thank you all for the rich array of mentor texts that will support my writing, but the experience of my many students.

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  113. Thank you! I now feel inspired to create!

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  114. Thank you so much for an educational and inspiring experience. It's hard to work this into our busy lives but well worth it!

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  115. This is my first year in ReFoReMo. All the posts and the books suggested were wonderful. Did get to read most and still have some being sent to my library. My local librarian would see me come in the door and say, "You again!" Thankfully, it was with a smile! :) I was introduced to so many books, ideas, and techniques. Thank you.

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  116. Thank you to all for such a wonderful list of books. I hope the list of books continues to include many that can be found on youtube as not all books were available where I live.

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  117. This was a real challenge because I had a big celebration, but I made it! I found wonderful books and learned from the comments of the fellow writers.
    Thank you for giving. Inspiration to all.

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  118. I love ReFoReMo! Every post is like a present in my in box, and I look forward to savoring each book. It’s kind of like being on a treasure hunt—I never know what jewel I’m going to find. Thank you to all the participants and to Carrie and Kirst for all your work in putting ReFoReMo together. I’m already looking forward to next year!

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  119. Another great year for ReFoReMo! Thanks everyone who made this possible!

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  120. This is such an amazing program — it is such a gift that you give us each year. I am truly thankful for all of your time, energy and creativity.

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  121. More thank yous to you!!!!!!

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  122. This was the best year so far! I learned so much more than in previous years! Thanks so much for all your energy and inspiration!!!

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  123. I learned so much last month! Thank you! Now, for the application!

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  124. Thank you ReFoReMo! It was an amazing learning experience.

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  125. Thank you for this experience Carrie and Kirsti. It has been a wonderful.

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  126. This was a wonderful month of inspiration. Thanks to everybody!

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  127. Thank you for creating such a great challenge to learn and grow. I really enjoyed it.

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  128. Thanks, everyone. A great month to explore picture books!

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