Children’s author makes appearance at Wells Elementary School library

Post date: Apr 16, 2015 12:21:7 AM

Children’s author and illustrator Ryan Higgins performed for five large groups of students in the Wells Elementary School library on March 18th. Higgins, who has been writing and illustrating children’s books for six years, has had four books published with a fifth one to be released in January of 2016 by his new publisher, Disney-Hyperion.

During his library sessions with all K-4 students, he read, drew characters and took questions from the audience.

“We were so fortunate to have Maine children's author/illustrator Ryan Higgins come to our school," commented WES librarian Karen Westerberg. "His presentations were truly enjoyable as well as inspiring to the students."

This was Higgins’ second March visit to the school. On March 6th he attended the Wells-Ogunquit CSD's Annual Celebration of Reading Day at WES. During that visit he donated enough copies of one of his books so that each student could have a copy.

Last year Higgins made 100 school appearances including one in Ohio. “I do it because first it’s fun..,” said Higgins. “Second it’s a great way to connect with my target audience.” He indicated that it is useful in writing a book to read from it to children before it is finished. This allows him to experience firsthand which jokes make kids laugh and which ones don’t and should be discarded.

Before drawing illustrations at WES, Higgins daringly asked his audience what kind of character they wanted him to create. Higgins calls such an on-the-spot exercise, “great practice” as it is totally impromptu.

Higgins said that his studio is in his Kittery home. “It’s fun to take a break from working by myself in my studio and then go hang out with kids because I can pretend to be a kid for a few hours.”

According to Higgins’ website he lives “…with his three dogs, three cats, two geckos, one tortoise, one son, one daughter and one wife.” His wife teaches second grade at Wells Elementary School.

Higgins, who knew he wanted to be a cartoonist by age four, attended the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor. His published works include “Wilfred”, “Roger Goes Up” and “Twaddleton’s Cheese”.

Speaking before a group of kindergarten students at Wells Elementary School is children’s book author and illustrator Ryan Higgins.

At his laptop in the library at Wells Elementary School is children’s book author and illustrator Ryan Higgins.