Second-graders at North Creek Elementary School learned that author Sue Stauffacher writes the first draft of her books by hand, and that her pages are written on by her editors – just like the student’s papers are written on by their teachers.
“My editor is kind of like my teacher,” the children’s author told the students. “I love it when my papers get written on because it makes my books better.”
Stauffacher was one of three authors who arrived in Chelsea to work with students at North Creek, South Meadows Elementary and Beach Middle School as part of the 2-day Authors in Chelsea event hosted by the Chelsea District Library during March is Reading month. (Other sponsors include the Friends of the Chelsea District Library and the Chelsea Education Foundation.)
Legs crossed, sitting on the floor of the Media Center Wednesday morning, the North Creek students listened quietly and intently to the Grand Rapids children’s author give a behind-the-scenes look at the book publishing process.
She let the children choose which of several of her about 12-14 titles they’d like her to discuss.
“Hadley’s Happy Ending,” won the vote.
The book is a fundraising project for the Humane Society of West Michigan, and tells the story of Hadley, a badly burned orange-and-white cat. The feline spent the better part of a year at the Humane Society recovering from his ordeal. But during that time, Hadley found a feline buddy in Minnie, a black long-haired kitty. His happy ending? The two kitty friends found the same forever home, and they even have their own Facebook page.
The cats are just two of the more than 5,000 animals that the Humane Society takes in each year, Stauffacher told the wide-eyed second-graders during her 45-minute presentation.
Among other titles, Stauffacher is the author of the Animal Rescue Team books, created for young readers, which include “Gator on the Loose”, “Show Time”, “Special Delivery” and “Hide and Seek.”
She told the students she loves animals and has an affinity for wildlife rehabilitators.
She encouraged the students to explore art and use their creative talents – even if they didn’t draw very well. “There are all different ways to be an artist,” she said. “Just keep working on it.”
Another take-away message from the author: face your fears. Stauffacher did when she took a brave step to hold a live alligator at an alligator sanctuary in Athens, Mich. She also brought a friendly stuffed alligator to her talk and ended her presentation by showing the students how the gator sang a song and waved its tail.
“We really appreciate all the effort and work of Edith (Donnell) and Karen (Persello) at the library to provide this outstanding opportunity,” said Andy Ingall, superintendent of Chelsea District Schools. “It’s a field trip at home.”
To learn more about the author and her titles, please click here.
Please note that the Worthington Family Foundation was a major sponsor of Authors in Chelsea this year, enabling it to go from a one-day to a two-day event!
From Karen Persello, Head of youth and teen services, Chelsea District Library