The following is a sample of what schools have said about Sparky:
Hello, Rick! It was our pleasure having you and Dexter visit. The children have not stopped talking about you two, you are truly a gem. It was amazing how engaging your program is and truly versatile to all ages. – Jia Lowe, St. Paul’s Child Development Center, Bridgeport, CT
Dear Sparky, Rick Arruzza, Speedy, and Maggie, We listened about you at our school, Notre Dame des Victoires (San Francisco). We have experienced lots of author visitations, but none of them were as informative and interesting as yours. Thank you! P.S. We both LOVED your outfit!!!! – Gabby and Greta
It wasn’t just the best assembly this year. It was the best assembly ever!!! – Student from P.S. 150-Q, Sunnyside (Queens), NY
Thank you very much for providing such a memorable and enjoyable time for our students. They thoroughly enjoyed your visit with your best friend Sparky. From our nursery students to eighth grade, it was the talk of the school. You are very gracious and have a wonderful rapport with all students. The experience will be a positive memory that will surely impact their love of reading. – Margaret Baxter, Principal, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal School, Ridgewood (Queens), NY
“As soon as I started to read “Sparky’s Walk” to the restless and at times uncooperative second graders in the special education class, I had captured their attention like with no other book before.” – Carmen Perez, Special Education Coordinator, PS 150Q, Sunnyside (Queens), NY
The students loved it! They keep wanting me to read the Sparky books! – Amanda Uliana, Teacher, St. Matthew School, San Mateo, CA
My students really enjoyed the author visit with Rick Arruzza, and they’ve been talking about Sparky all day! – Baya Vuong, Teacher, Dianne Feinstein Elementary School, San Francisco, CA
I can’t keep the Sparky books on the shelves. The kids take them out all the time! – Judy Reuther, Librarian, Paul Revere School, San Francisco, CA
It is such a treat to have Rick come to our school. He is amazing and knows his audience well! – Maria Morelli Guzda, Kindergarten Teacher, Stillmeadow Elementary School, Stamford, CT
The students LOVED Mr. Arruzza and, of course, Sparky. We’ve had several guest authors visit Vineland, and I must tell you that Mr. Arruzza and Sparky have been the favorites thus far. – Teri Trivizas, PTA President, Vineland K-8 Center, Miami, FL
The kids have not stopped talking about Sparky. And the parents say that all they hear from their kids is “Sparky, Sparky, Sparky”! – Amber Piacenza, Amber’s Playschool, Stamford, CT
The children and their teachers really enjoyed the assembly with Sparky – Carolyn Slattery, Principal, St. Margaret School, Pearl River, NY
Thank you for coming to our school and sharing your stories of Sparky with us. We love your books and hope to see you back often! – The students and teachers of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School, Redwood City, CA
Thanks so much for coming to Massena (NY) with Sparky and visiting with all of us! – Madison Elementary Parent Group and Students, Jefferson Elementary School, Massena Public Library, Trinity Catholic School, and Nightengale Elementary
You received rave reviews from both parents and the boys, and Sparky was a huge hit. If any of the other groups in Somers is looking for a guest at their events, I will be sure to recommend you. – Joe Cuiffo, Cubmaster, Cub Scout Pack 1, Somers, NY
Books are a great way to imagine things in your dreams – Charlotte (Charlie) Trenka, a Sparky fan
Everyone at Adopt-A-Dog says thanks from the bottom of their hearts for all you have done for (Sparky) and for the dogs and cats at the kennel.” — Donna Nives, President of Adopt-A-Dog and Kerrin Coyle, Director of Operations and Facilities for Adopt-A-Dog.
