Witty books, witty author

New York Times best-selling author Mac Barnett was funny, clever, and thoroughly engaging with students and staff during his presentations in Batesville schools this week. He spoke with over 1,000 students at Batesville Primary School, Batesville Intermediate School and St. Louis Catholic School November 18-20; and with an additional 75 people at an Evening Series event offered to the community on November 19. His warm, easy-going personality and his ability to connect with children had our students leaving his presentations feeling happy and confident, motivated to read, and inspired to do a little writing of their own. A very successful Arts in Education program!

Mac is the author of more than 20 books for children, including two Caldecott-Honor-winning collaborations with Jon Klassen: Sam & Dave Dig a Hole and Extra Yarn. His latest creation, Leo: A Ghost Story and his book The Skunk were recently listed on The New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books of 2015. He also writes the Brixton Brothers series of mystery novels and, with Jory John, The Terrible Two. His works span from primary level pictures books to intermediate/middle level chapter books. www.macbarnett.com These opportunities were possible due to the generosity of the RAA Arts in Education Program, the Joan and John W. Hillenbrand VISION Fund for Innovation, and the RAA Evening Series. Thanks, Rachael Berkemeier, for organizing it all!