Johnny B.

begins the assembly with a rousing boogie-woogie. (He began playing piano in 1957.) This segues into an original "softer" composition which demonstrates the writing of a story without words. Johnny B.'s ability to control audiences of 600-plus students is legendary. It is immediately obvious to teachers that he has spent many years in front of students.

Johnny B. introduces Sharon Bushell's books, The Trouble With Bernie and Bernie Jones and the Blazing Bandits. He uses different teaching strategies and the piano to illustrate:

THREE SIMPLE LESSONS

- WHAT MAKES A GOOD SENTENCE -
(details & description)

- WHAT MAKES A GOOD STORY -
(audience participation)

- HOW A STORY BECOMES A BOOK -
(Johnny B.'s sudoku puzzle books)

After the Three Simple Lessons, questions are solicited from the audience. Answers always support the ever-increasing excitement of reading and the many rewards of writing. "The more you read the better your writing becomes."

After questions and answers, Johnny B. performs a well-known hit from the 1950s. He explains that he will 'be back tomorrow' to autograph books, then directs the students back to the classroom, snapping their fingers to another well known tune.