Long Island’s Children’s Writers and
Illustrators visit Stewart School
Stewart School recently welcomed an esteemed group of children’s book authors and illustrators to the school’s first Author and Illustrator Evening that was recently held and appropriately themed “Reading Makes Your Brain Blossom.” The event showcased the works of 15 authors and illustrators, all members of the Long Island’s Children’s Writers and Illustrators organization. The organization’s goal is “to create quality works of fiction, nonfiction and poetry that educate, entertain and inspire children of all ages.”
The published authors and illustrators represented a broad range of genres within children’s literature. The authors’ works, some published by major publishing houses, range in scope for readers in the primary grades up to students in the middle school grades. Collectively, the authors have written well over 55 titles on various topics, including life lessons (i.e., dealing with bullying), taking care of the environment, historical fiction, a mystery series, a nonfiction series on wild animals and inspirational stories about community heroes like firemen and veterans among others.
The students at Stewart School started preparing for the authors and illustrators’ visit weeks ago. Classes read some of the featured stories, visited websites and emailed the authors their questions. The upper grades discussed the plot lines within their book clubs. With the guidance of the school’s art teacher, Ms. Pashayan, other classes helped to prepare the gymnasium for the special event by creating 4’ by 6’ posters featuring authors’ names, which hung as a colorful backdrop behind each author’s table.
During the evening, students enjoyed visiting with the authors and asking questions about the various story lines and characters. The authors graciously shared their joy of storytelling and reading, and autographed books purchased by the children. Stewart School Principal Linda Norton said of the evening, “I think this is a wonderful opportunity to spark children’s interest in reading and get a chance to actually meet the person whose name they see printed on the book’s cover. It was such a joy to see the children interact with the authors.”
The authors and illustrators who participated in the evening’s literary event included Jack Bilello, Karen Bonnet, Selene Castrovilla, Linda Frank, Joe Guida, Brian Heinz, Tim Hoppey, JoAnn Vergona Krapp, Melissa Kuch, Sandy Lanton, Valerie Pfundstein, Orel Protopopescu, Paul Rodriguez, Joe Scalia and Wendy Wax.
The event was sponsored by Stewart School’s Site-Based Committee. Stewart School Assistant Principal Sue Kenny and fourth grade teacher Keri Hand spearheaded the project with the assistance of the site-based team and staff members. Site-based members include teacher representatives, Susan Croon and Debra Ward; PTA/parent representatives Alicia Marciano, Marjorie Egan, and Joan Watson; staff member Amy Norell and Stewart School Principal Linda Norton. The program supports the Garden City School District’s literacy initiatives.
