Lynwood Elementary Hosts Children's Author Night

Over 35 authors were featured at  for Children's Author/ Illustrator Night.

The Middle School Chamber players were also filling the lobby with music to welcome those entering.

Homemade goodies, baked by Lynwood teachers, were served in a delightfully decorated cafe setting, as a fundraiser for the PTA.  Every cookie was creatively named in honor of a beloved children's book such as the dubiously dubbed, "Clifford's Puppy Chow", a nod to everyone's favorite big red dog.

Kindergarten teacher, Suzanne Macchio chaired the event's committee.  "It was my baby, with lots of team effort," she said proudly.  "It's a very big treat, and a very big event with lots of teacher effort."

In addition to dozens of books brought by professional authors who set up shop in the cafeteria and gymnasium, the hallways were lined with books written and illustrated by every Lynwood Elementary student.

The blank books used for this project were paid for by the Lynwood PTA, as was a dinner held for the participating authors earlier that evening.

Fourth grader, Thomas Fallica was seen holding his literary creation, Gemini.  "It's about two boys who don't really get along that find a dragon egg, and have to take the dragon back home, and learn to get along," he explained.

The author's night was an impressive endeavor that the committee had been hard at work planning since the summer.

Parents and children were free to roam around and explore the many books showcased, and to get to know the writers responsible for them.

"Many books seen on display the kids have read," said Macchio.

Michelle Zimmerman, author of Can't Catch a Butterfly, enchanted children while sporting butterfly wings, "You've got to play the part; this is my getup," said the charismatic speech pathologist and children's performer.

Zimmerman's award-winning book is about a little boy who tries to catch butterflies.  She said, "He has a big decision at the end:  Will he keep them or let them go?"

Her book is geared toward those in Pre-K through first grade. 

She was thrilled that the school offered such an enriching occasion.  "I think it's a great way for children to meet real authors, and it's a good way to see how children react to the author's books," said Zimmerman.  "I think early literacy development is the most important thing a young child can get.  Being with a parent, holding a book, reading aloud and turning the pages; we're losing that.  It's the cornerstone for the rest of our lives."

Kathleen Bart from Merrick set up a booth with her picture books about teddy bears. 

"This is a wonderful way for children to see that there are real life people behind the books," she said. "They're created by people who are still alive.  When children meet local authors they realize this is something they can do too."

Yvonne Capitelli, an author from Rockville Center, displayed her first book, Daria Rose and the Day She Chose, part of a series in the making. 

Her story, like most included in the festivities, is not only entertaining, but educational, and centered on imparting life lessons and homespun wisdom that children and adults alike could benefit from keeping in mind.

"It's all about making good choices, making our days the way we want them to be, being confident and having self-esteem," said Capitelli.  "[Daria} turns different situations around throughout the week.  Life is all about the choices we make.  It's up to us to make the right one."

Joseph Guida, another first time author, featured his book The Legend of the Moonflower. 

He is a retired Sachem school bus driver and children's entertainer known as, "The Singing School Bus Driver." 

"I've had this flower for years, and I always wondered why it only bloomed at night," said Guida.

Another music-minded author on hand was Vivian Farrell, "The Musical Storyteller."  Her book of historical fiction, Robert's Tall Friend is about a real boy and a real lighthouse that he saved from being torn down.  "For 2000 years on this planet lighthouses have been saving ships.  Now they want to tear them down because of new technology," she said.

Christine Olsen, co-president of the Lynwood PTA said, "There was a big turnout tonight.  I was glad to see everyone come.  With the bakeshop, the teachers did so amazing, the way they decorated.  It's nice to have the teacher involvement.  It's great."

"I loved it," said Kathleen Makinen. "I enjoyed reading all the kids' books.  My older one wants to be an author when she grows up, so she's been begging me to make sure we make it here."

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