Author/illustrator Daniel Kirk visited New Albany K-1 Elementary School students May 15-18. As the author and/or illustrator of over thirty picture books, Mr. Kirk thoroughly enjoys educating his audiences and sharing his experiences in creative writing and illustration. Playing his guitar and singing also helped him tell his story to our young learners. Mr. Kirk’s many children’s titles include the very popular Library Mouse series, as well as several books of poetry and the Elf Realm series for older students.
Mr. Kirk and Librarian Kirsten Klink hosted several assemblies each day in the school library. Students had the opportunity to hear him speak and sing about his books and the entire writing and publishing process, as well as participate in a drawing lesson.
Mr. Kirk shared, “When you’re excited about something, write or draw about it, and then keep reworking your creations until you truly love them”!
“Students were thrilled and inspired by the entire program”, said Mrs. Klink. “Mr. Kirk showed our students that a book is a work in progress as he spoke about idea generation, writing and rewriting, drawing and redrawing, working with an editor and much more”. Student comments and parent feedback confirmed that students were so enthusiastic that they are talking about writing and drawing their own stories.
The Columbus Metropolitan Library New Albany Branch hosted a community family event with Mr. Kirk Wednesday, May 16. Ryan Burley, Library Youth Services Manager, expressed, “It’s a wonderful opportunity that brings an extra dimension to the educational process for students to visit with an author/illustrator in person”. He also extended great appreciation to New Albany Scholars for this opportunity.
A great deal of preparation went into Mr. Kirk’s visit long before he arrived. Mrs. Klink and the 2-5 staff have been teaching the students about his work and tying it in to many subject lessons for the last several months.
This visit was made possible by the generous donation of the New Albany Community Foundation and the Carolyn and Lance White New Albany Scholars Endowment, in conjunction with the New Albany Women’s Network and the New Albany-Plain Local Schools Parent Teacher Organizations.
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