Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Island Park students at Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School were treated to an unforgettable visit from acclaimed author and illustrator Douglas Florian on Feb. 26. Florian, best known for his engaging children’s books that blend art, poetry and wordplay, spent the morning inspiring young minds with a lively and interactive presentation on the creative process behind his works.
During his discussion, the author captivated students by reading his poems aloud, incorporating elements of rhythm, alliteration, rhyme and onomatopoeia. His energetic, rhyming interactions encouraged the students to participate, repeating his poems and embracing the joy of language. Florian’s engaging approach brought his stories to life as he showcased vibrant, larger-than-life illustrations from his books.
A highlight of the assembly was when Florian invited students to guess the animals illustrated in several of his drawings. The activity reinforced the importance of observation and creativity in both art and writing.
Florian’s work often draws inspiration from the natural world, utilizing neologisms, rhyme and humor to captivate young readers. His celebrated books, including “Insectlopedia,” “Beast Feast,” “UnBEElievables” and “Dinothdsaurus,” are beloved by children and educators alike for their clever integration of art and poetry.
