By Jason Wesseldyk
Sports Editor
Students at Starr Elementary School had a special opportunity to meet a local author and learn about the creative process behind their favorite books.
Denise Brennan-Nelson visited the school recently, sharing her experiences as a writer and giving students a behind-the-scenes look at how books are created.
Brennan-Nelson, who grew up on a farm in Michigan, has written 27 children’s books. During her visit, she talked with students about the writing and illustration process and read from one of her works, Buzzy the Bumblebee.
The visit gave students a chance to see how stories come to life, from the initial idea to the finished book.
According to her website, Brennan-Nelson has long been drawn to storytelling, saying she once dreamed of becoming a detective or reporter—someone who could “dig for the truth” and ask questions to better understand the world.
“As a writer, that’s what I do,” she said. “I ask a lot of questions, research my topics and use all of my senses to shape stories.”
Students also learned about the different roles involved in creating a book, including writing, illustrating and publishing.
School officials said the visit was both educational and inspiring for students.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Brennan-Nelson for dedicating her time to create this unforgettable experience for the Rock Starr students,” the district said in a statement.
The event was made possible with the help of the Starr Parent’s Club and Kazoo Books.
