Students get inspiration from wordsmith

Published 11:15 am Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Greywolf Elementary School students have the opportunity to hear from Bainbridge Island author Jennifer K. Mann about what it’s like to write and illustrate books for children. Mann is the author and illustrator of “Two Speckled Eggs” and “I Will Never Get a Star on Mrs. Benson’s Blackboard.”

In addition to providing a brief personal history and talking about what she does as an author and illustrator during an assembly, she engaged students in an interactive story/character exercise and a short Q & A session.

Dear Jennifer K. Mann,

I loved the assembly. I can’t believe some of the stuff you shared, like how you rewrite your story at least 10 times. I thought it was really brave of you to share your stories. I mean you really defined grit. Thank you so much. Kendall Hastings, grade five

Dear Jennifer K. Mann,

Thank you so much for coming to Greywolf. I would love to buy all your books if I could! I was thinking you that you could write a book about two girls named Ally and Ellie and it was their first field trip and they were super scared. Well anyway, thank you so much for coming to Greywolf. Sincerely, Kendra Dodson, grade three

Dear Jennifer,

My idea for the fishing book is to be about your son. You inspired me to be an artist when I grow up and express my feelings and my happiness to draw horses. Also, to express what I love. I love when you talked about your pony that you shared with your friend. Thank you! From and love, Joanna Seelye, grade three

Dear Jennifer,

I’m Jade and I really truly think you are inspiring from the pictures to the influence you have on everyone. By the way, for the pictures of your pets you could write a book about them in a pet store and have them go crazy. They would need a miracle to clean up the store before the owner gets back. From, Jade Reynolds, grade three

Dear Jennifer K. Mann,

I really liked that you showed us your books and your adventures and your children and your animals. Also, your family times. You inspired me to read your books and be an author. Sincerely, Rylee Evans, grade two

Dear Jennifer K. Mann,

Thank you for coming to our school. You encourage me to never give up on my drawings. You also encourage me to read more. My favorite books of all time are in the series Emily Windsnap. Love, Emily Crosby, grade five

Dear Jennifer,

Thank you for being a great book artist. I liked the page where the girls used their party hats as bird beaks. From, Dillon Foster, grade one

Dear Jennifer,

I am very glad you came to school. You taught me lots of tricks and tips about writing and painting. You also inspired me to become a great writer no matter how long it takes me! I also loved your cats and dogs, I am very sorry your dog died though. I loved your books too. Our librarian read them to us. I am very glad you came to Greywolf Elementary. Never give up, Jennifer — go, go, go! From, Nekadius Scoulter, grade three

Dear Jennifer K. Mann,

I have an idea for your picture you showed us. When the man goes fishing he could not find his dog. When he wants to catch a fish he catches his dog! From, Carter Jurgensen (Art is in my name) grade one

Dear Jennifer K. Mann,

Thank you for telling me that it is OK to make mistakes and go back and fix them. I also want to thank you for telling us how you get ideas for your books and how you should always check your work. I think you inspired everyone to write and draw. From, Olivia Duran, grade five

To Jennifer K. Mann,

I liked how Rose made her desk messy, and then made her desk clean, and then she made her desk messy and then made her desk clean. Sometimes I am messy too. From, Jay Geniesse, grade one