book fairs and cover art

according to my 7 year old friend (who will be eight next month which makes her 7 and 4/5ths, i might add) the word of the day is "dictionary".  i heartily agree, eyeing my complete wordfinder.  she was likewise elated to show me her pile from the book fair.  remember the school book fairs where everything was new and any adventure was possible?  add that to word girl's trip to powell's and the local library and we have one seriously hip young chick!  i suggested she might like "wildwood" and "under wildwood".  "already read them" she said (while dad called "had them read to her" from the kitchen).
today also marks the end of the first school semester.  our final unit was "book of choice" where students could bring a grade-level book that they were interested in (make it fun, remember you're in charge!).  our final project was to design a book cover with title/illustration, front summary flap, back author flap and back cover reviews.  some of the student work gives current illustrators a challenge to live up to...get thee to a book fair!