Children’s author Greg Pizzoli visited elementary schools throughout Lincoln County School District last week, inspiring students in their reading and writing efforts.
Pizzoli is a “four-time Theodor Seuss Geisel Award-winning creator of the ‘Baloney and Friends’ graphic novel series, as well as the author and illustrator of the picture books ‘The Watermelon Seed,’ ‘Good Night Owl,’ and ‘The Book Hog,’” states gregpizzoli.com. His nonfiction works for children include the New York Times Best Illustrated title “Tricky Vic,” and “PIZZA! A Slice of History.” His book ‘Lucky Duck’ received a nomination for the 2024-25 Wyoming Buckaroo award, and many K-3 LCSD #2 students are familiar with it through that program.
Pizzoli’s books are heavily influenced by his own childhood experiences with literature and by books that he read as a young boy. Authors that he enjoyed as a boy include Arnold Lobel and Roald Dahl. Ed Emberley’s works helped him grow as an illustrator. He has written and illustrated many books and served as illustrator for authors such as Mac Barnett and Jennifer Adams.
“He wanted to be a cartoonist even since Kindergarten,” said Katie Thyrgerson, LCSD #2 District Librarian. “Dahl’s book had early notes from some of his stories, which was how Greg came to realize that being an author was a possible career path!”
Pizzoli engaged students with an interactive and fun presentation. Both staff and students enjoyed his visit and were grateful for his inspiring message. “He shared some of his own books, incorporating voices, moving among the kids and inviting their participation,” said Thyrgerson. “He had a volunteer in each grade level come up to do a short drawing activity with him, and he performed a Baloney and Friends story reader’s-theater style with 3rd graders. It was so funny!” His visit inspired some Kindergarten students to “immediately start drawing alligators,” when they returned to their classroom.”
Students benefit from author visits by learning that authors and illustrators are real people with families and hobbies just like the students themselves. “Visiting authors promote reading and writing, encouraging kids to keep practicing these skills which are foundational to learning throughout their school lives and into adulthood,” said Thyrgerson. “Authors remind students to observe and consider the world around them every day, by sharing where and how they get ideas for their books. They teach about persistence, because often the journey to getting published is not direct or easy! And finally, they provide a positive, fun, inspiring experience that kids will associate with school and reading books.”
Thyrgerson recognizes that bringing authors to LCSD #2 requires an entire team of staff members including “principals, secretaries, and librarians who help coordinate schedules and generate excitement for author visits. It requires a lot of advance planning! We are also grateful to building teachers and staff and district administration for their support.”
