Parliament Place Holds Author/Illustrator Night
Parliament Place Elementary School knows how to promote reading in a very big way. On the evening of December 3rd the school held Author/Illustrator Night. with hundreds of students showing up with their parents for a chance to meet some of their favorite authors and illustrators. There were close to 45 authors and illustrators of children's books attending. Among the attendees were such notable writers/illustrators as Vivian Farrell, Brian Heinz, Josephine Nobisso and Darren Sardelli.
The evening was the culmination of several days of exciting events. On Monday there was a first grade assembly with Yvonne Capitelli, author of "Daria Rose and the Day She Chose," a book about character building and making good choices. On Tuesday, there was an assembly for first and second graders with twins Sheila and Letty Sustrin who wrote three books about teachers which students thoroughly enjoy. On Wednesday, Vivian Farrell had two assemblies, one for K-2 and one for grades 3-4. She did a one-woman show about "Robert's Tall Friend" which is about the Fire Island Light House. "Robert's Tall Friend" is the official book of both the Town of Babylon and Suffolk County, and students always enjoy seeing her.
Thursday was a very full and busy day. Ed Clampitt and Robert Fortier, who co-wrote the "Team Dawg" series, visited with third graders. Joyce Zucker also did a craft from her books with Mrs. McCabe's third graders. Janice Milusich visited kindergartners and Darren Sardelli visited several 4th and 5th grade classes to read and discuss his humorous poetry. Jason Edwards did a "Monster Hunt" in the library with 3rd and 4th graders.
This was a major event at Parliament Place with each classroom adopting an author to read and study, so the children were looking forward to meeting the writers in person. The whole school was involved with the Student Council assisting the authors throughout the day. The entire school helped to make banners and posters to display at each author's table, and the art students made decorations to display in the gym on the night of the event to add to the atmosphere. There was also an Author's Dinner Reception honoring these author/illustrators hosted by the PTA before the evening began The community became involved as well with Glo-Dot Florist donating and delivering eight dozen balloon arrangements as centerpieces to add to the festivities. Dough Boys donated penne a la vodka, and Imperial Orchid gave a tray of fried rice for the author dinner reception.
Organizing and facilitating the event was a herculean task, but Ms. Michelle Davis was up to the challenge. It was well worth the effort because the students were clearly excited to be attending the event.
Some Authors in Attendance
Brian Heinz, who lives in Wading River, is a writer of delightful and sensitive stories such as "Red Fox at McCloskey's Farm," "The Monsters' Test," "Nathan of Yesteryear and Michael of Today, and "Cheyenne Medicine Hat" about a herd of wild horses. He says, "Most of my books are about wild animals, sometimes-endangered species, and their fascinating and unique abilities to survive in harsh and unforgiving environments. They are tales of adventure and survival, and I try to capture the majesty of each animal and its environment in my words." Mr. Heinz tells a fascinating story and teaches children valuable lessons about life in his books.
Vivian Farrell is the author of "Robert's Tall Friend," the Official Book of the Town of Babylon and Suffolk County. "Robert's Tall Friend" is an intriguing story about the Fire Island Lighthouse who talks to a little boy and pleads with him to help get her restored. Ms. Farrell is also a "musical storyteller" who introduces children to classical music. Children find her absolutely fascinating.
Darren Sardelli is a poet who delights students with his entertaining often inspirational, and humorous poems. His choice "of colorful words, clever rhymes, and creative characters" makes him popular with school children. He is imaginative and students emulate him in their willingness to try their hand at writing poetry, too. He inspires them to read and write and that is exactly what he wants to do. His table at Author/Illustrator night always had a long line as students waited patiently to get his autograph.
L.A. Reiss
L. A. Reiss, who was born in Brooklyn and who has a passion for ancient Egypt, has written "The Curse of Amun-Ra," a travel adventure featuring a 12 year old main character named Eddie Beyer who must break the curse of Amun-Ra before it breaks him and destroys his whole family. This is Reiss' first venture into children's literature and it is an imaginative read.
Josephine Nobisso was born in the Bronx and lived in Little Italy for a time as a child before moving to Mastic Beach on Long Island. She had her first children's story published in a national magazine when she was 18 and is now the author of numerous books which delight children and win praise from critics. For instance, in reviewing her book entitled "Hot Cha Cha," Children's Book Review Service says of her: "Josephine Nobisso has taken the old rhyme, Who stole the cookie from the cookie jar? and made it into a rollicking who, what, when, where and how romp on the playground. The book will get children's feet tapping...children will enjoy the colorful illustrations that bring text to life." Her book, "SHH! The Whale Is Smiling" is a delightful book about an older sister taking her brother on a fantastic voyage with a humpback whale and Early Childhood News has said of this book: "The drawings are lovely, fanciful and full of warmth...the text is lyrical and evocative."
