Children’s author visits schools

By Staff
Special to the Enquirer
Mike Artell, a nationally known children’s author and illustrator, recently visited Hartselle City’s three elementary schools: Crestline, Burleson, and Barkley Bridge. Artell spent a day at each school, entertaining the students with his stories, and teaching them how to draw cartoon-type characters. His work and encouragement with the students produced a lot of budding illustrators who were excited about using their talents to illustrate their own books.
Artell also talked about the importance of using correct grammar in writing. He demonstrated how to use words to colorfully “paint pictures” in the students’ imaginations.
He reminded them how to look at images from different perspectives. This type of technique adds a uniqueness to the students’ drawings which will, in turn, expand their creative writing abilities.
The three schools, in partnership with the Learning Tree, sponsor an author/illustrator visit to each school every year, for the learning and enjoyment of their students.