Children’s author to visit Bowlby Library
WAYNESBURG – Young children and their parents will have a chance to get a glimpse of how a children’s book is written and illustrated.
Will Hillenbrand, a children’s author and illustrator from Ohio, will be at Bowlby Public Library in Waynesburg later month to showcase his book, Kite Day: A Bear and Mole Story, as he goes beyond just reading to interact with the audience.
The meet-and-greet event will be April 27 at 9:30 a.m. Children will be treated to the presentation and get a free copy of Hillenbrand’s Kite Day book that was selected for the “Pennsylvania One Book, Every Young Child” statewide initiative that highlights the importance of childhood literacy. The book is geared toward ages 3 to 6.
Bowlby Librarian Kathy Douglas said Hillenbrand visited the library a few years ago and offered an interactive demonstration, then dazzled the audience as he drew his illustrations in-person rather than offering just a web video.
“We’re very excited because he’s really good with young children by being interactive with them and he keeps their attention, even with young, young children,” Douglas said. “He shows how (illustrators) draw.”
Douglas said Hillenbrand’s presentation will go beyond a simple story time, which captivates the children and gets them interested in reading.
“They want it to be visual because it is for young children and we are trying to incorporate some of the activities with the parents to interact with their children,” she said.
Adults must find ways to engage children in activities, Douglas said, by talking about a book’s cover and illustrations, discussing the action in the book and playing along with the book, similar to the way President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama mimed characters while reading Where the Wild Things Are during the annual Easter egg roll at the White House.
That means the program will also be meaningful for young parents with preschoolers as they learn how to can support the development of literacy in preschool children, Douglas said.
Those who attend will be able to make a kite, enjoy snack time and participate in other activities after the reading.
There is no cost to attend, although Douglas asked parents or daycare workers who are attending to call the library at 724-627-9776 to register their children.