New Prospect Elementary School got the thrill of a lifetime with a visit from Broadway singer and author Idina Menzel and her sister, co-author and writer, Cara Mentzel. They stopped by the school to do a live read of their new children's book Proud Mouse. Students sang their school song for the sisters and got to ask questions and dialogue with the authors. Each student received a copy of the book signed by both sisters.  

"The word that comes to mind when describing this experience is 'perfect,'" says New Prospect Elementary School principal Amy Lemons. "Idina and Cara had a perfect presentation that was engaging not only for the kids, but also for the adults who were lucky enough to attend. The staff and the students at New Prospect also did a perfect job of showing off our school and the great readers and learners we are! Thanks to Sandi Dennis (media specialist), Kathleen Ingraham (music teacher), and Margaret Moore (assistant principal) for making this perfect experience happen for our students!"

Kevin Robinson, program specialist for instructional technology, made the connection that truly made the author visit happen. The author visit with Idina Menzel was made possible by a partnership with the non-profit organization Page Turners Make Great Learners.

Frozen‘s Elsa and Tony Award-winner Idina Menzel, along with acclaimed writer and teacher Cara Mentzel, present a lyrical picture book about a proud sister learning to find her own way. Cara Lee is a proud mouse. She is proud of her big sister Dee. She is proud of her specially decorated journal. And now she’s proud to become what she’s always wanted to be: a student. But her first day of school is different than she imagined. When you have a big sister with such a LOUD talent, how can you find room to shine in your own way?