Children’s book author visits Swanson Elementary

PALMER — Swanson Elementary School had a special visit from renowned children’s book author Rosemary Wells last week. Two kindergarten classes got a behind-the-scenes look Sept. 15 at how Wells creates her books from start to finish in her Young Writers/Artists Workshop. She also signed copies of her books for the kids, parents and school staff.

Her first visit to Alaska came courtesy of an invitation from the Alaska Center for the Book to tour the state as a part of Wells’ mission to advocate for early childhood literacy. It’s a mission she takes very seriously.

“I was meant to do this,” Wells said.

The workshop was a slideshow with Wells recounting her process that included working hand-in-hand with her grandchildren. She covered a range of topics beyond her books, showing pictures and videos with various artistic and literary significance, like how pastels were made and the elements of a story.

“I think they’re wonderful kids,” Wells said. “They listen well. They have excellent manners. They’re just super.”

Wells does all of her artwork herself, so she was able to explain her various methods, while encouraging the children so that they, too, may create beautiful works of art. She would often refer to her granddaughter, Frances, who was seen making art with her.

“If Frances can do it, can you boys and girls?” Wells asked.

“Yes!” They all exclaimed.

The children seemed enthralled by Wells’ motivational speaking. Many of them couldn’t help but tell her how much they liked her art before they left. One kindergartener, Zoë Rigmaiden, was impressed by what she learned.

“I thought she was great!” Rigmaiden said. “She’s a great artist like me.”

Wells said she likes to experiment with various mediums. She will often try out new techniques to create unique patterns for her art — techniques such as using Shredded Wheat or Cheerios cereal patterns to make custom stamps. She would hand-draw the outlines of characters and objects and fill them in with colored stamps to make one-of-a-kind patterns.

She told the kids to roll up their sleeves and create for themselves.

“I want to encourage everyone in this room to draw half an hour every day, and not on an iPad— that doesn’t count,” Wells said. “I want you to use your hands,” she said.

Wells has more than 120 books under her belt. She almost exclusively uses animals as characters. She is best known for her “Max and Ruby” series, about two bunnies, a rambunctious 3-year-old Max and his goal-oriented, older sister, Ruby. The stories have been adapted for the popular, animated Nick Jr. show. Wells admitted the show was good, wholesome and funny. A lot of people like it, but, she said, she likes her books better.

“I draw animals and all of my work is based on real stories that come from my children,” Wells said.

Wells believes that books are the key to a child’s success in life.

“It is the great leveler of playing fields,” Wells said. “If you read to your child every day, starting at two months old, everyday without fail — for 20 minutes a day — no matter what the other conditions of your life are, that kid will be equal to any child in the world in kindergarten.”

She said read-to kids rarely drop out of high school, seldom develop drug problems, they avoid early unwanted pregnancies and often get better jobs.

“Every child’s birthright should be that they are read to,” Wells said.

Wells strongly cautioned against screen time. She said that overuse of television, video games, and smartphones are the bane of a child’s intellectual and developmental growth.

“The only time that those neurons develop in that kind of brain structure growth is from (age) 1 to 5 and shuts down at 6,” Wells said. “

Trisha Brown, of the Alaska Center for the Book, was key in inviting Wells to Alaska. The two met a year ago at the Heartland Fall Forum, a convention in the Midwest for librarians and booksellers. Once up here, Brown took Wells across the state, touring various schools and libraries. Wells carried her mission to empower children through literacy and hands on creation to every group of children.

“I hope to inspire children to do something they’re doing — and not enough of — going home and using their hands, their small motor,” Wells said. “Trying to get children to work with their hands and get them away from screens.”

This inspiration caught on. The children, teachers and parents frequently commented on how uplifted they felt.

“It’s really inspiring. I want to go home and try some of this myself,” Brown said. “It’s putting control into the hands of the kids.”

Wells’ said her series of Young Writers/Artists Workshops are designed to get kids away from distractions of the digital age and to develop independent thought and creative expression.

“Ms. Wells had more than a few nuggets of wisdom to share at Swanson Elementary. This is how you develop a generation of critical thinkers and do-ers,” said substitute monitor, Sloane Dellafosse.

According to Brown, Wells donated 24 original pieces of art from her books to the Alaska Center of the Book. The Center framed the pieces and distributed them to libraries across the state.

Wells said that other than losing her husband to cancer, she has had a wonderful, privileged life. She said that she sort of fell into this career of art, books and children, and she feels obligated to make the most of it.

“If you’ve had a very privileged life, you better find a way to make the world a better place and not just spend money,” she said. “You’ve got to do something.”