“Stories are an important part of who you are,” Author and Illustrator Steven Kellogg told a group of students at Deans Mill School Friday. “Stories have a special power to break down barriers. Communicate with those around you.”
Third graders from sat enthralled on the library floor as Kellogg talked about how he decided to become an author and illustrator, shared the inspiration for his stories and drew several images from his books for the school.
“I’m going to read his books now,” said third-grader Ethan.
"I thought he was really good,” third-grader Caroline added as another student shouted ‘you’re awesome’ to Kellogg before walking out the door.
Kellogg, a best-selling children’s book author and illustrator, spoke to students in grades kindergarten through fourth as part of the Authors and Illustrators as Mentors program. Each year the PTO at Deans Mills School sponsor an author and/or illustrator to come to the school.
“The program’s impact has been very beneficial to our literacy program which promotes the connection between reading and writing,” Deans Mill Teacher Tricia Lance said. “The students always come away from the day smiling and inspired to further read the author's books and to create their own stories and characters like the author's style in their own writing pieces.”
Kellogg told the students that his favorite part of book making was that each book is like making a new friend.
“The book becomes a part of you,” Kellogg said.
Students learned about Kellogg’s writing process and how he often uses events that happened in real life to craft a story including the adventures of his pets in his books Pinkerton, Behave! and A Rose for Pinkerton.
Kellogg told the students he hoped to inspire them to read and create their own stories.
Before Kellogg’s visit students had worked on various projects related to Kellogg’s books some of which were on display in the library.
