MainStreet Warner Literacy Day
On May 9, 2016, we were honored to have Warner children's book author David Elliott joining us.
MainStreet Warner Literacy Project
This has become an endearing tradition between MainStreet Warner, Inc. and the community elementary school. Initiated in 2005 during Simonds School “Turn-off-your-TV” Week, local children’s authors and/or illustrators have visited the children to discuss their work and their motivation. These children receive exposure to excellent writers and artists, the pride of knowing that these are people who live in Warner or nearby, and that through their work have affected the lives and literacy of children across the country. Past authors-in-residence that have visited the students include David Carroll, David Elliott, Lucinda McQueen, Jack Noon, Steven Kellogg, Maxine Kumin, Barry Moser, True Kelley and Mary Lyn Ray. Each year the focus changes a bit, but the children become well-versed in the books from each author, as the older students read to the younger, and then have the opportunity to meet and converse with the author.
David Elliott was the “author-in-residence” for the 8th Annual MainStreet Warner Literacy Project at Simonds Elementary School. On Monday, May 9, 2016 he met the students from the kindergarten through fifth grades in the school’s Jim Mitchell Library. After talking about the writing process and encouraging the students’ questions about books and growing up to be a writer, each child received a copy of one of his autographed books. The Literacy Project is organized through MainStreet Warner, Inc, with the generous support this year from Simonds PTO, the Nancy Sibley Wilkins Town of Warner Trust Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, the Warner Men’s Club, private individuals and MainStreet BookEnds of Warner.
David Elliott is a poet and the author of children’s books ranging from picture books, to early chapter books, to books for young adults. Among his most treasured books are And Here’s to You!, On the Farm, In the Sea, In the Wild, On the Wing, What the Grizzly Knows, Nobody’s Perfect, Finn Throws a Fit, Knitty Kitty, This ORQ., The Cool Crazy Crickets, Evangeline Mudd, and Jeremy Cabbage. Always the champion for children’s literacy and encouraging the written expression, Mr. Elliott’s appeal crosses over to all ages as he thoroughly engages the various groups of students. He is a resident of Warner, NH.
Jim Mitchell "Local Hero" Book Award
Hayleigh Battles (holding plaque) and with Jacob Fisher, 2012 recipients
2009 Emily Collins and Riley Antle
2010 Tess Witmer and Andrew Shampney
2011 Samuel Lick and Nastassja Sicely
2012 Hayleigh Battes and Jacob Fisher
2013 Isabelle Mann and James Donahue
2014 Quinn Antle and Travis Kane
2015 Bella Wilson and Brennan Herr
2016 Anna Lick and Troy Madigan