Peete Elementary students were in for a real treat in honor of World Read Aloud Day when they had the honor of connecting with award winning author and illustrator, Julie Rowan-Zoch! Originally scheduled for Wednesday, February 1st, the East Texas weather had other plans when it sent ice to the region and school was cancelled. However, Ms. Rowan-Zoch graciously agreed to reschedule and help us celebrate at the end of the month instead.
Ms. Rowan-Zoch began the zoom meeting by sharing a read aloud of her Texas 2x2 honor book, Louis, that she illustrated with author Tom Lichtenheld. Louis is the adorable story of a beloved bear who plots his escape from his suffocatingly affectionate owner. She pointed out the little known hidden meanings in the illustrations that she planted, including the pet goldfish, an homage to her one and only childhood pet, and the red cereal bowl that matched her own.
She also took the time to show the students some simple illustrating tips and tricks, such as how to take the same oval face shape and change minor details to make it look like an older adult, a child or a baby. Students enjoyed ending the chat by submitting questions to our special guests such as "what was the first book you wrote?" and "when did you read your first book." Students requested for the Colorado based illustrator to come visit them in Texas sometime.
Thank you, Ms. Rowan-Zoch for your lively and educational meeting with us yesterday. Let us know if you ever decide to come to the Lone Star state. We would love to meet you in person at Peete Elementary!