Illustrator draws inspiration for students
On Monday 16 March students from Year 8 were privileged to receive a visit from children's author and illustrator James Foley. As expressed by Kate Smith (Year 8 student) below, this was a fantastic incursion and a very helpful introduction into creating one's own illustrated storybook.
The Year Eight English classes talked animatedly, walking through the school to the library. The sun warmed their faces and cast happy shadows along the ground. The cluster found their seats in the library bubbling over with excitement. The room soon filled with more chatter and laughter as the group anticipated the arrival of their special guest.
They were soon met with author and illustrator, James Foley. The Year Eights sat quietly, listening intently. James told them all the tips and tricks to writing and illustrating their very own picture book for a state-wide competition. Such as how to make words and pictures flow and how to make a story boards for planning, James even took out a few of his old story boards from when he was in primary school. The classes asked questions and chatted back and forth with James, enjoying his optimistic outlook and his words of encouragement.
James showed off some of his stories and even one he had made with some Year 10s from another school called Mr Orange. The Year Eights giggled quietly at the harsh illustrations and uncanny resemblance to Donald Trump.
After the incursion the Year Eight's thanked James Foley and got up to leave. As they were walking back to class to collect their bags, they conversed about what an amazing time they had and how eager they were to get back to their classes to write some ideas down. Their minds swirled with enthusiasm and ideas. They replayed what James had said in their minds, eagerly anticipating the day when they would be able to start their own picture books.
- Kate Smith (Year 8 Student)
