WVU Parkersburg Partnership Project to feature children's book illustrator

March 9, 2009

WVU Parkersburg Partnership Project to host area school children and award-winning illustrator in a "Meet an Illustrator; Be an Author" program.

CONTACT: Martha McGovern, associate professor of reading, 304-424-8000.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The West Virginia University at Parkersburg Partnership Project is sponsoring a “Meet an Illustrator; Be an Author” event for area school children on Friday (March 13).

Featured speaker will be Christopher Canyon, a musician and award-winning illustrator of children’s books.

Fourth-graders from eight area elementary schools will experience a presentation by Canyon and participate in small group reading and writing sessions, led by WVU Parkersburg Education majors.

In his John Denver series, Canyon has adapted Denver’s songs into illustrated books. The first, "Sunshine on My Shoulders," received the Benjamin Franklin Award for best-illustrated picture book of 2003. Other books illustrated by Canyon celebrate the beauty and diversity of nature. Titles include "The Tree in the Ancient Forest" by Carol Reed-Jones and "Wonderful Nature, Wonderful You" by Karin Ireland. In "Stickeen: John Muir and the Brave Little Dog," Canyon’s vivid illustrations bring the Alaskan adventure to life. Donnell Rubay's book is a retelling of a true story the naturalist Muir himself liked to share with children.

Canyon is an award-winning artist and musician who has illustrated many children's books. He travels extensively providing entertaining and educational programs for children, families and educators.

Participating in Friday's program will be students from Fairplains, Lubeck, Madison, Martin, McKinley, Mineral Wells, Williamstown, and Worthington elementary schools. Each school has received a gift set of books, signed by Canyon.

WVU Parkersburg's Partnership Project involves a professional development school relationship between area elementary schools and the college's Education Division. It provides enrichment and remedial programs for public school students and professional development activities for teacher candidates, in-service teachers and college faculty. The project enhances the preparation of the college's elementary education teacher candidates for the profession of teaching.

cd03/09/09

For additional information, contact:
Connie Dziagwa
WVU Parkersburg
Executive Director
Institutional Advancement
(304-424-8203)

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