P.S. 217’s librarian Barbara Auerbach reports that Brooklyn-based childrens book illustrator Daniel Salmieri recently visited and gave a terrific presentation to 216 second-graders:
“Mrs. Van Auken wanted an author or illustrator to come speak to the 2nd graders as they had recently written and illustrated their own original stories. The Brooklyn Public Library generously agreed to send Daniel Salmieri to our school. Daniel has illustrated Adam Rubin’s bestselling picture books Dragons Love Tacos and The Secret Pizza Party as well as the “Darn Squirrel” series. In preparation, all of the 2nd grade classes came to the library to learn a bit about our visitor and read a few of his books. Everyone enjoyed Secret Pizza Party and created their own pizza craft–toppings and all. Mr. Salmieri gave an animated presentation complete with a slideshow and his “build-a-monster game.” Afterwards he visited each classroom to answer questions. To top off the celebration, we had a “secret pizza party” in each 2nd grade classroom at the end of the day. Disguised as the pizza-loving raccoon of the story, I delivered 30 pizza pies with the help of Mrs. Van Auken–needless to say, the kids were thrilled!”
