For Open House Week, Lesley and I decided to make a book for one of the classes. Lesley wrote the story while I worked on the illustrations. This was my first time illustrating digitally (and for a book as well!), so it was very challenging, but exciting at the same time. Sometimes I even came into work thinking I was a children’s book illustrator! I guess you could say that was how much fun I was having working on the book. 😊

Lesley and I wanted to create a story for Andy Aardvark, the cute mascot for BIG BOW. The book is called Andy Goes Shopping and it’s about using directions. However, Andy takes a wrong turn to the soccer field and ends up getting lost. Luckily, he doesn’t give up and he discovers the zoo instead, where he can play soccer with the zoo animals! Even though this book is very simple and  focused on teaching children how to use directions (e.g. turn left, turn right, or go straight), I think the story can also help students understand that getting lost isn’t always a bad thing—if we keep pushing forward, we might find something better. Anyway, I believe students are more likely to remember a story that can mean something personal to them!

Yesterday, we presented the book to the 4:00 p.m. class and I think (or I hope) the students enjoyed it! After we fix up some minor details, the book will be ready next week for Open House. I hope the parents will enjoy the story too!