Caldecott Medal-winning author Philip C. Stead joined K5 and first grade classrooms via Zoom last Thursday! Organized by Preschool librarian Ali Dinkins and in partnership with Lemuria Books, Stead video chatted with Lower School students to help promote the importance of reading and writing, which is crucial to the Jackson Academy curriculum. In 1959, JA was founded on the pedagogical approach of teaching reading through phonics and continues to promote reading through library time, author visits and Zoom calls, Book Buddies, and so much more.
The author of “A Sick Day for Amos McGee” taught the Lower School students about his writing and illustrating processes and the inspiration for his writings. Animals and different art styles inspire Stead to illustrate his books. Some of his books, like “Creamed Tuna Fish and Peas on Toast,” feature collage artwork with multiple layers and textures. He and his wife, who has illustrated some of his books, live with their dog in a 100-year-old barn and use their surroundings to help generate new ideas.
Stead ended the Zoom call with a special early reading of his new book, “Amos McGee Misses the Bus,” which is currently only available for pre-order. The students loved learning about their favorite books’ writing and illustration processes from the award-winning author and illustrator himself!
