Missouri author Izzy B visits 10 SPS sites to share the treasure trove of reading
As a first-grader, Izzy B knew he wanted to be an author. So he became a teacher.
“I was an elementary school teacher, but I always had a dream of being an author,” said the author to Pleasant View students. “Being an author is not a grown up job. You can start making books right now!”
Izzy B is an award-winning author, actor and educator from the Joplin, Missouri area. He and fellow author and illustrator Ben Askew brought the joy of reading with a performance of their books with puppets, tiny chickens and big tales of reading.
“Izzy B is a fun, engaging author who really makes reading and writing come to life for elementary students,” said Cammie Hunsaker, library media specialist at Twain Elementary. “He and Ben are outstanding storytellers, and we’re grateful to the Foundation for SPS for bringing him to SPS at three schools. But once other librarians heard, their schools wanted him to visit, too!”
At Pleasant View, Mann and Twain Elementary, students had a special performance and a free book to take home. These performances with a take-home copy were made possible by Back to School grants awarded by the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools. These grants were just one of many ways the Foundation funds experiences centered around literacy, said Natalie Murdock, executive director for FSPS.
"There is no better way to bring literature to life for a student than through a dynamic author visit," said Murdock. "Through our Back to School grant program, we supported Mann, Twain and Pleasant View with copies of books for every student and visits from the author and illustrator. It is exciting to see students connecting to what they are reading, and it is a perfect example of donor dollars making an impact."
But seven other elementary schools chose to invest in a visit from Izzy B, who encouraged reading, writing and the power of storytelling.
“Pirates love treasure, but the greatest gold is the joy of reading,” said Izzy B in a pirate hat. “Find the treasure you seek in the books you read!”