Saratoga News

Photograph by Robert Scheer

Author Martha Kendall describes the writing process to students at St. Andrew's School.

Authors bring stories to students at St. Andrews

Kids learn about process of writing

By Tim Persyn

As a roomful of children sat around him, author Don Reed told of his personal experiences with the mouths of killer whales.

Reed, a former diver at Marine World Africa USA, described what once happened when he tried to ride one of the creatures made famous by the movie Orca.

"The killer whale had me in his mouth," Reed said. "So I said to the trainer, 'What do you suggest I do?' Eventually, the killer whale spat me out."

Reed was one of three authors and one illustrator speaking to St. Andrew's School students at the school's Author's Day, held March 22.

The event was planned by Billie King, the school's librarian, to inspire students and to give them an insight into the process of writing and illustrating books.

"I did this event so students could have the experience of meeting authors and illustrators and be exposed to people successful at doing what they love to do," King said. "I also think it's important for kids to realize that books come from hard work and effort. The way they can appreciate that is by talking to authors."

Reed, who said he has logged more than 12,000 hours under water, gave a slide presentation on ocean life as he described his diving experiences. He has written a book, The Dolphin and Me, based on his work as a diver. He said he writes books on the ocean to educate and motivate young people on the importance of this natural resource.

"I want to excite kids about the ocean--that the ocean is a living, vital part of everyone's life," he said. "It's something we need to take care of."

In another presentation, fourth-graders Elisa and Angelee were impressed with author Martha Kendall's presentation on Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

"I learned that [Stanton] was determined and kept doing what she wanted, even when other people laughed at her," Elisa said.

Angelee said she also learned something about the creative process for authors. "I learned how they get ideas," she said.

Kendall, who has written biographies on Benjamin Franklin and Steve Wozniak, said that her subject matter captures the imaginations of children. "I write books about people who have excelled at different walks of life," she said. "I think kids get inspired by hearing an author talk, and hearing about the subjects of books."

Other participants at Author's Day included Aaron Shepard, who has written The Legend of Lightning Larry and The Baker's Dozen, and Melissa Bay Mathis, illustrator of What a Wonderful Day to Be a Cow and The Turtle and the Moon.