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Author And Illustrator Energize Young Readers

Author And Illustrator Energize Young Readers

It was a magical moment. A crowd of kindergarteners, first graders and second graders held in rapt attention with their listening ears working at maximum capacity. Teachers and staff at Medlock Bridge Elementary made it happen with the help of author Ann Patchett and illustrator Robin Preiss Glasser.

Their names may ring a bell. Patchett has penned bestsellers including “The Dutch House” and “Tom Lake.” Glasser’s artistic talents brought the “Fancy Nancy” series to life. They visited Medlock Bridge Elementary in September to share their new book, “The Verts: A Story of Introverts and Extroverts.”

Patchett, an introvert who grew up on a farm, and Glasser, an extrovert who grew up in a city, were inspired by their own differences.

“They wanted to create a story that emphasizes the importance of understanding and appreciating everyone,” says Sadeqwa Simmons, programming specialist for the Fulton County Schools (FCS) Media Services Department. Simmons coordinated the visit with the help of the non-profit, Page Turners Make Great Learners.

Events like this are more than just a regular sit-down story time. When speaking about the energy of the young crowd, Simmons says, “the students were just excellent, just really engaged. They were excited.”

Simmons calls it an “interactive sort of presentation.” Students asked Patchett and Glasser questions about the process of creating a book. Glasser, who has a background in ballet, “had the kids stand up and taught them how to bow and do a curtsey. It was a very fun event.”

Simmons and the teachers and staff at Medlock Bridge worked with the non-profit Page Turners Make Great Learners to make sure every student at the event, plus students who were not able to be there, got a signed copy of “The Verts.” That added up to 275 copies, all personally signed by Patchett and Glasser.

Events like this build a foundation for the future, book by book. Simmons says the goal is, “developing a love of reading and a reading culture for those students.” The partnership helps students build their own libraries at home.

More events are in the works, including bestselling author, Kwame Mbalia, who is expected to join students at Holcomb Bridge Middle School.