Launched in 2005, MainStreet Warner’s Literacy Project aims to help elementary school students become more accomplished and appreciative readers. Not only does the Literacy Project encourage children to read, it also gives students the opportunity to meet distinguished authors and illustrators. Every year, MSW invites a children’s author and/or illustrator from New England to visit Simond’s Elementary School. The authors and artists share stories about their lives as well as interesting details about their craft, and students have the chance to ask the luminaries questions before receiving their own autographed copy of the author’s featured book.

MSW’s 22nd Literacy Day at Simond’s Elementary School featured author and illustrator Jason Chin, winner of the 2022 Caldecott Medal. Jason connected with students right away by telling a story about the time an award-winning illustrator visited his elementary school in Lyme, New Hampshire when he was a student -- just like he was visiting their school in Warner. In response to Jason’s easy-going and affirming manner, students enthusiastically took turns answering his questions and asking their own, revealing along the way how much they shared Jason’s curiosity about the world and his love of drawing. After reading his books aloud and demonstrating a few artistic techniques on a giant sketchpad, Jason handed out a signed copy of one of his books to each student. Kindergarten and 1st Graders received GRAVITY, and students in grades 2, 3, 4 and 5, received HURRICANE.

Generous donations from the Simonds PTO, the Kearsarge Regional School District, the Nancy Sibley Wilkins Town of Warner Trust Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, and MainStreet BookEnds contribute to making this memorable event for students possible.