Sparking the Imagination
One delight that has come from the numerous school and childcare reading done by the author, has been the smiles of the young children. While on the recent road trip to North Dakota, author, Paula Helgerson, made repeat visits to both Immanuel Lutheran Christian Children’s center (preschool classes & after school kindergarten) and Holy Family/St. Mary’s school (kindergarten class).
Once in Grand Forks, illustrator, Kimberly Forness Wilson also joined Ms. Helgerson. Our creative team was able to enrich the story book reading with insight into the making of the adventure. The delight continued as these children saw inside the story. They learned how a picture evolved that would be used in the final book. It seems so simple when Ms. Wilson describes the process.
This road trip was a celebration of National Book Month. From preschool to Kindergarten… Li’l Al was shared with 3rd, 4th, & 5th graders at Holy Family/St. Mary’s School. What? A preschool story to students reading chapter books? Yes, …because of this story’s ability to cultivate imagination. Taking journaling into creative writing is a natural progression. That’s how our author began; back in the day when SHE attended Holy Family parish school.
However, writing is not a forte for everyone. Say it with pictures – was the answer for Ms. Wilson. It was easy for her to draw, or to paint. From this she launched her career. Ms. Wilson shared with the older students more creative ideas for drawing supporting pictures to their own writings (their stories). They, too, could draw a caricature.
Then there was a brainstorming of fresh ideas! “You could see the wheels in their minds turning,” remarked Helgerson. The classes reflected on how Li’l Al was more than a simple story. It is a statement about living life with joy and discovery. The question was posed: What else should Li’l Al explore? Where else could Li’l Al venture? Who else might Li’l Al meet along the way.
At this rate, the children have Li’l Al off for at least 4-8 additional books above and beyond our next adventure in Book #4. Watch for THAT adventure to be coming in Summer 2017. Our author and illustrator have a long list of ideas to consider. What YOUR idea? Feel free to make comments on our Contact Us page. We look forward to hear where you think Li’l Al should go, meet, discover.