The Southwest Voice

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Southwest Bakersfield's resident children's author, Kevin Morrison, recently visited Castle Elementary School, sharing his books and writing experience with students from kindergarten through sixth grade.

Over the course of five days, Kevin spent thirty to forty minutes with each individual class, encouraging them in their reading and writing, and even sharing his own basic formula for the creative process.  With that, fourth through sixth grade students created collaborative stories creative enough to impress the author himself.

"I thought I would share a bit of my process and maybe inspire a kid or two, but every single class I spoke with took the formula and ran with it!  I honestly was amazed at the creativity they brought out."

Kindergarten through second grade classes were treated to a reading of Kevin's latest book, Frank is a Chihuahua, a fun story about a Chihuahua who wishes he was a Coyote, but learns the value of being who he is.  Third grade students listened to Stitches, a story about the life of a baseball, not a baseball player but an actual baseball, and how his imperfections can't stop his success.

Older students were treated with a couple chapters from Kevin's middle-grade mystery novel, Ghost Arson, a Cardigan McCoy Mystery.  Castle staff and students had a great time learning about Kevin and the writing process.  At the same time, Kevin was duly impressed with Castle Elementary, where his son Layton also attends kindergarten.

"My experience here as a parent has been outstanding and now my experience as a visiting author confirms what I already believed.  My son is at one of the best schools in town.  The students are all amazing which is a direct reflection of the staff.  I had great conversations with quite a few teachers at every level and I can honestly report that there is good stuff happening here.  I look forward to being a part of it for many years to come!"

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