Photos: Ferndale Students Get Visit From Children's Author

Children’s author Bryan Chick visited John F. Kennedy School and Coolidge Intermediate School on Tuesday to meet students and talk about his book series The Secret Zoo.

The event was put on by the Ferndale Education Foundation, a non-profit supported by members of the community that helps make possible a wide range of learning opportunities throughout the year.

Chick, who lives in Clarkston and grew up in the area, described himself to fourth and fifth graders at JFK on Tuesday morning as someone who was shy and awkward as a child but had a big imagination.

"There was nothing special about me when I was growing up that led me to become an author," he said. "Absolutely any of you guys could grow up and write a bunch of books if you want."

Chick talked to the students about rough drafts and revisions, and showed them the difference between the stack of papers that made up his original first book draft, and the version that was later published with 250 fewer pages.

Kristy Stoll, a trustee with the Ferndale Education Foundation, said Chick's presentation let the kids see that authors are "regular people." She said the foundation tries to do visiting author events every year.

"The authors really inspire the kids to both read and write," she said.

JFK Principal Derek Adams said the presentation was a great way for students to learn about the writing process.

"They can get first hand experience from someone who's been through it," he said.

For more information about The Secret Zoo book series, visit www.TheSecretZoo.com or www.facebook.com/TheSecretZoo.