Author Visits

Author CANDACE Fleming inspires students to be curious

The students were so engaged with author Candace Fleming’s visit on May 19! They were fascinated with stories of how she researches her nonfiction books and how she gathers “seeds” of ideas for her fiction books. We heard how she had an opportunity to try on a lucky bracelet that was worn by Amelia Earhart and how her friend video-recorded giant squid in the deep ocean. Ms. Fleming turned both of those ideas into nonfiction books. Ms. Fleming encouraged students to be curious and to seek out information about what interests them. During LMC lessons, students listened to the read aloud of Candace's Honeybee book. It was fun to hear how she came up with the idea to research ideas for the book after watching a honeybee buzz around her one day while she sat outside. In working on that book, Ms. Fleming collaborated with her husband, Eric Rohmann, who drew the illustrations.

As a special treat, Ms. Fleming visited Ms. Tinaglia’s fourth grade class for a writing workshop lesson. She gave them 3-minute writing prompts. First, they described a beautiful sunrise for the point of view of a poet. Next, they wrote about the same event from the point of view of a vampire.

Virtual Author visits inspire students in grades K, 1, 2

Students in grades K, 1, and 2 had several opportunities to connect with children’s book authors through Zoom presentations. Former OMS teacher, Melissa Tumpane, shared her children’s book, Gingerbread Cone Under Construction, with students. Also, the Arlington Heights Memorial Library sponsored a visit by Andrea Wang, author of Magic Ramen, a book on the 2022 Monarch award list. Students were excited to hear how the authors got started writing by just jotting down ideas in notebooks. In both presentations, students had opportunities to ask direct questions to the authors. The hope is that these special visits will inspire budding authors at OMS!

Gingerbread Cone Under Construction is former teacher, Melissa Tumpane's very first book. She showed us her rough drafts, the illustrator's drafts and then read aloud the final book! The students were able to ask her questions about the process and of course one student wanted to find out what was her favorite cookie-sugar cookies with sprinkles!

Andrea Wang, author of Magic Ramen, a book on the 2022 Monarch award list, joined first and second graders to tell them that it’s ok to fail. Her message fit well with the theme of her book about Momofuku Ando, the inventor of instant ramen noodles. It took him a full year of trial and error to create the best recipe for this invention. Ms. Wang also showed the students some of her earliest writing from when she was an elementary student. The audience enjoyed seeing all of the fun ramen-themed gifts Ms. Wang has received from friends such as ramen stuffies, pillows, erasers, t-shirts, and more!

One book one school author sundee Frazier zooms in with olive students

Students at OMS and Patton schools were excited to meet Cleo Edison Oliver author, Sundee Frazier. She visited both schools virtually through a Zoom call on April 30. About 20 students had an opportunity to ask Ms. Frazier questions during the call. They had been chosen ahead of time based on the thoughtful questions they submitted. Some of those questions were as follows:

What motivates you to keep writing?
What is it like to be chosen for our One Book One School program?
What is the hardest part of writing?
How long did it take to write this book?

All of us benefitted by hearing Ms. Frazier's answers to the questions. She encouraged all students to follow their dreams. As a child, she was interested in writing, but she didn't have her first book published until she was well into her adult years. One of the most exciting parts of her virtual visit was when she shared a video of a boy pulling out his loose tooth with help from a Nerf gun! This was part of Ms. Frazier's inspiration for Cleo's invention and business in the book. Several of our students were so inspired that they tried pulling out their own teeth this way over the next couple of weeks. It worked every time!

Author Saadia Faruqi Comes to OMS to share her Yasmin series with students

Author Saadia Faruqi connected with OMS students by sharing her background and her writing process. After growing up in Karachi, Pakistan, she emigrated to the United States in her early 20’s. Students were excited to learn more about her creative process for writing her Yasmin books which are based on the experiences of her own children at school.

Ms. Faruqi shared ideas about how to show instead of tell when writing a story. Students in grades 3, 4, and 5 practiced this skill by offering suggestions for how to show a character’s emotions. Both of her presentations included plenty of time for students to ask questions. We look forward to her new middle grade novel, A Place At the Table, which will be coming out in May. The OMS staff and students are thankful to our PTA for sponsoring author Saadia Faruqi's visit!

chicago-based illustrator, Jacqueline Alcantara, introduces her award-winning picture book, The Field

Students in grades Kindergarten, first, and second grade were excited to meet Jacqueline Alcantara, the local artist who created the illustrations for the acclaimed book, The Field, by Baptiste Paul. The book highlights a pick-up soccer game on the island of St. Lucia.

Ms. Alcantara walked students through the process of creating illustrations for a book. She taught us that illustrators have to do research to understand exactly what characters or a new place might look like. They also have to make basic sketches and then turn those into detailed artwork for the book.

Calling students, teachers, and Mrs. Brown, the librarian, to the stage, Ms. Alcantara demonstrated the idea that so many people work together to help create a book. She told us about editors, art directors, publishers, printers who work with illustrators and authors to make books. We learned so much!

We'd like to thank our OMS PTA for sponsoring Ms. Alcantara's visit!

Graphic novel illustrator, Sean Dove, will highlight his graphic creations at the family Reading night on Nov, 21, 6:30-8:00 pm.

OMS students love graphic novels! All are invited to attend the Family Reading Night called Books Spark Imagination! to hear either Ms. Alcantara or Mr. Dove speak. Mr. Dove will let us know how he creates his graphic artwork when he collaborates with authors such as J. Torres. Thank you to the OMS PTA for sponsoring his visit!

If you would like to purchase a signed, personalized copy of any of the three Brobot books illustrated by Mr. Dove, please pick up an order form in the LMC or download a copy below. Please return your order forms by Tuesday, November 12. Books may still be ordered after that date, but we would appreciate early orders so that we can determine how many books to order.

Authors/Illustrators, Mac Barnett and Greg Pizzoli introduce their new early reader series

OMS students and staff enjoyed hearing about the mischievous rabbit, Jack, from a new early reader series. There was also a question/answer session. We learned the ages of the two authors, 37 and 36, and what they like about being children's book authors (getting to sleep in!). Second grader Kimmie from 2-2 showed her artistic skills as she drew Jack alongside Greg Pizzoli. OMS is grateful to the local bookstore, The Book Stall, for sponsoring this author visit!

Poet Michelle Schaub teaches students about poetry writing for poem in your pocket day 2019

It was a great way to celebrate Poem In Your Pocket Day with a visit from Illinois poet, Michelle Schaub! She shared ideas about how to be on the look-out for treasures (ideas) to include in our writing and how to carefully choose words to add to our poems. Thank you to the PTA for sponsoring her visit! Students participated in the presentation by using their “thumb meters” to pick out statements as fact or fiction and to guess what type of unusual fruits and vegetables Ms. Schaub showed on her slideshow. Several student audience members read aloud a poem for two voices and wore animal masks to act out the poem.

Author/illustrator Mike Wohnoutka Teaches students how to draw illustrations for a book

Author/Illustrator Mike Wohnoutka shared his story about how he was inspired by his high school art teacher and a college professor to pursue a career in art. At college, he saw a presentation by children’s book author and illustrator, David Shannon who wrote No David. Mr. Wohnoutka realized that he had discovered a job he would love to do. So, he started out drawing illustrations for other author’s books. Finally, he became successful at writing and illustrating books of his own.

As part of his presentation to the students in Kindergarten, first and second grade, Mr. Wohnoutka created some illustrations. He demonstrated how to add shadow to show dimension in a drawing. The student audience helped him pick which characters to add to his drawings.

In the week leading up to his visit, students practicing drawing characters like the ones created by Mr. Wohnoutka during their LMC lessons. They learned how to change a character’s eyes to show expression.

Author Allan Woodrow Tells how he became a children's book author.

Mr. Allan Woodrow told the story of how he became an author during his presentation to third, fourth, and fifth grade students on Friday, February 8. His third grade teacher made an inspiring comment on a story that he co-authored. She told him that someday he would become a famous author. Mr. Woodrow tucked away that nugget and decided to try his hand at writing books for kids as a second career after working in advertising. As he spent time reading and enjoying fun and adventurous tales with his young daughters, he decided to try creating books of his own. Surprisingly, his first book was immediately accepted by a book publisher.

During the Mr. Woodrow's presentation, OMS students were excited to participate. They shared ideas about their favorite writing topics as well as their favorite books to read. Mr. Woodrow encouraged students to try creating books of their own and to consider careers in writing.

Newbery Award Winning Author, Katherine Applegate, skypes with the OMS students and staff!

After reading Wishtree the One Book One School selection, students were excited to meet the author. Although Mrs. Applegate couldn't be with us in person, she spoke to the audience through the Skype app. Katherine Applegate, took questions from student representatives about her life as an author. Some of the students asked her about her favorite characters in the book and where she got her ideas for her novel. She explained that she was disappointed with the way that the people in the United States were treating each other during a recent presidential election. She wanted to write a book showing how people could work together and appreciate each other rather than disagreeing.

Author/illustrator, peter reynolds, Teaches oms students to express creativity and make their marks!

Author/Illustrator Peter Reynolds introduced Kindergarten, First, and Second grade students to his new book called The Word Collector. He shared a huge copy of the book using his computer and the projector and screen. One lucky first grader even had a chance to play the role of Vashti, the main character in The Dot as Mr. Reynolds read that aloud to the audience. Sharing his own history, Mr. Reynolds told of how he developed a love of creating stories in middle school. He was challenged and supported by a middle school math teacher to create videos to teach math concepts. Peter Reynolds encouraged students to create both art and writing pieces. He was excited to learn that some students planned to create story books of their own.

In the week leading up to the author visit, students learned about Mr. Reynolds's books during LMC and classroom lessons. They rotated to different stations to listen to his books, create art work modeled after his watercolors and drawings, and build designs with large foam blocks.

Author/Illustrator, Henry Cole, spends the day at OMS!

After participating in the One Book One School event with The Nest For Celeste, students were excited to welcome Henry Cole as he spent the day at Olive! He wowed students with his artistic abilities and sense of humor during two large group assemblies in the Commons. He told stories about how he grew up loving to draw, and how he credits his mother and teachers for encouraging him to become an artist and author. An important idea that Henry shared with the students was to be persistent and work on a story or piece of art until it becomes the best it could be. This involves lots of revisions and edits.

Henry visited several classes for question and answer sessions. Students were entertained by his many stories and jokes. During the lunch hour, Henry joined the fourth and fifth grade Chat and Chew book group in the library with Mrs. Brown. There, he participated in a game, signed books, and took photos with the students.

Author/Illustrator, peter Brown, explains explains how he writes his roz the robot chapter books to students in grades 3, 4, 5!

Students in grade 3 through 5 welcomed author/illustrator Peter Brown on Monday, April 10. Peter has written and illustrated many New York Times’ best selling children’s books such as Wild Robot, Creepy Carrots, and Children Make Terrible Pets. Students were excited to meet him since many of them had been enjoying hearing the read aloud of Wild Robot. The students loved hearing about the adventures of Roz, the robot who had to adapt to her new home on an island full of animals. Mr. Brown explained how he came up with the idea for his novel, researched information about robots and animals, and created the art work to accompany the words in the book. Mr. Brown even created a Roz drawing for our students!

newbery award-winning author, kwame alexander, shares his ideas on creating poetry and picture books with students in grades k, 1, 2!

The OMS library media center was a bustling place on the afternoon of April 10. Kwame Alexander got the students chanting after him to repeat lines from one of his picture books. He also read some of the poems from his book, Animal Ark. The students were especially excited to hear about Mr. Alexander's poetry since they had written their own animal haiku poems during library lessons the week before his visit. Mr. Alexander enjoyed viewing the children's work. Musical accompaniment was provided by a guitar-playing, Mr. Randy.

kwamealexander_041017_olivemarystitt.pdf
File Size:	149 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

Author/illustrator, David Biedrzycki, Shares his award-winning book, Breaking News: Bear Alert with Students at OMS

Students in grades Kindergarten, First Grade, and Second Grade welcomed author/illustrator, David Biedrzycki. To prepare for his visit, students loved reading and creating projects related to his Monarch Award winning picture book, Breaking News: Bear Alert and his Me and My Dragon series books.

Mr. Biedrzycki made a quick appearance on morning announcements and then entertained the student audience in the Commons. He shared his techniques for recording story ideas in his journal. One example that Mr. Biedrzycki shared was related to his recent trip to Africa. When he was awakened by an elephant pulling a tree out of the ground with its trunk, he decided to create a strong elephant matriarch character to put into a new book. Students loved learning how to use a drawing app on the iPad to create realistic-looking 3-dimensional art work. He drew a beetle family for us in order to demonstrate the creation of art work for a book.

After his whole-group presentation, Mr. Biedrzycki joined Mrs. Mueller's second grade class for small-group lesson. He shared one of his brand new books with them. He also led them in practicing their drawing of a beetle and getting started on story ideas. Several students excitedly declared that Mr. Biedrzycki had inspired them to become authors and illustrators!

Middle grade mania comes to OMS!
Visiting authors are Greg Neri, Beth fantesky, and elana arnold

The students in grades 3-5 enjoyed a visit by three middle grade authors on March 15. The authors, Greg Neri, Elana Arnold, and Beth Fantesky, told the students about how they are inspired to use events from their real lives as ideas for their books. Ms. Arnold told the students about her family's trip across the country in an RV. She used that idea in her book, Far From Fair. Two of the authors, Mr. Neri and Ms. Fantasky, like to write mysteries. Ms. Fantesky asked the student audience to listen for clues as she read a scene from her newest book. The students at OMS were good detectives since they successfully identified all of the clues!

Author/Illustrator Ethan Long Teaches students in K-2 how to create a character

Author/Illustrator Ethan Long spoke to students in grades K-2 on Tuesday, November 17. He taught the students some important skills to use when designing a character and developing a story. Some of his key messages were to be responsible and to be willing to work with others. To demonstrate the skill of collaboration, Mr. Long encouraged the audience to help him create a character. So, the Chihuahua CooCoo came to be!

Mr. Long visited the art class of Mrs. Wilhelm's second graders. While there, he helped the students create collaboratively designed monsters based on some ideas from his book, Fright Club. He instructed the students on how he changes the drawings of a character's eyes to show emotions. See the video clip below.

Author Blue Balliett presents to oms 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders

Blue Balliett, author of six books for kids, explained to the third, fourth, and fifth graders, that she likes to write about things that she is curious about or wonders about. Students were especially interested in her description of her new novel, Pieces and Players, that tells the story of a very sensational art theft in which 13 items were stolen from a museum. Her fiction novel was based on a true art theft that took place 25 years ago. Many of Blue Balliett's books are based in Chicago and include real landmarks.

A group of 17 students had a chance to personally meet with Mrs. Balliett before the school presentation. They earned the opportunity by reading one of her books and writing a question for the author. In that more personal setting, those students asked Mrs. Balliett their questions and learned a little more about her writing process.

Author Brad Herzog Speaks with first and second graders

First and second graders welcomed author, Brad Herzog, to Olive-Mary Stitt on Thursday, November 20. He is the author of more than 40 fiction and nonfiction books for both children and adults. Mr. Herzog involved the student audience in collaborating with him on creating a story to demonstrate how to creatively use imagination. Later, he made a special trip to Mrs. Netzel's second grade class to finish brainstorming the group story. One highlight of the visit was when Mr. Herzog shared the story of how his eleven-year-old son became an author. Luke Herzog has already published two fantasy novels!

If students would like to order an autographed copy of one of Mr. Herzog’s books, they can print the order form linked here. Those forms must be turned in by Tuesday, December 2. Mr. Herzog will mail them to Olive-Mary Stitt School.

bradherzogbookformolive.pdf
File Size:	132 kb
File Type:	pdf