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Author reads, chats with Brockman first grade students
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Children’s book author Lisa Widdress talks to aspiring young writer Quin Banks, a first-grade student at Stella Brockman School, during the Read Across America event. - photo by VINCE REMBULAT

Quin Banks enjoys writing.

That’s according to his first-grade teach Tev Erion at Stella Brockman School.

“He’s already made a few books,” she noted at the national Read Across America Day held in conjunction Tuesday with the birthday of beloved children’s author Theodor Geisel.

Geisel is better known as Dr. Seuss, who was born March 2, 1904.

Each year, thousands of schools, libraries, and community centers celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday by motivating youngsters to read.

Banks was among the group of first- and second- grade students at Stella Brockman entertained by special guest Lisa Widdress.

She’s the noted author of the Cutie Browne children’s book, “Cutie Browne Gets A New Bestest Friend.”

Widdress, who also met with youngsters at Brock Elliott School on Read Across America Day, recently completed her first Cutie Browne chapter book, “Kids Can Change the World.”

 Reading her newest book aloud at the assembly would’ve been a tough task to accomplish in such a short time. “It’s a 120-page chapter book,” she said.

Instead, Widdress read her second book, “Cutie Browne Plants A Big Patch of Fun,” receiving help along the way from several youngsters. She had another reading engagement that day along with a return trip to Stella Brockman for Family Literacy Night / Book Exchange event.

“I’m trying to save my voice,” said Widdess, who later met the aspiring young writer, Banks.

According to Principal Candace Espinola, students were encouraged to wear their “appropriate” pajamas to school, with guest readers sharing their favorite books to K-6 students.

By the afternoon, the entire school took time out for a half hour to “Stop and Read.”

Surprise guests included a pair of Cat In the Hat characters.

Espinola credited retired teacher Barbara LeGrange and Debbie Vanni for organizing this year’s Read Across America.

Meanwhile, Brock Elliott School also took time out to “sit down and read” to students, according to Principal Debbie Ruger.

She noted that parents were encouraged to read to their kids during this day sponsored by the National Education Association.

Many of the Dr. Seuss books  were read aloud on this day, including Cat in the Hat; Harry Hears a Who; How the Grinch Stole Christmas; One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, to name a few.