Author visits with Alpine Elementary students

By Rose Sgarlato
SPARTA — Second graders at Alpine Elementary School received a special visit this month from Nancy Krulik, author of over 200 children’s books.

A writer for over 20 years, Krulik’s prominent series include “Katie Kazoo Switcheroo,” “George Brown Class Clown,” and “Magic Bone.”

Collaborated between the school and Sparta Books, Krulik is currently on tour throughout the United States pitching her chapter books that are geared towards second through fourth grade students.

“Our students are taught writing strategies and the writing process, so to have a well-known author come make real life connections and show them where writing can take them is truly priceless,” said Taran Gallagher, media center teacher at Alpine Elementary School.

The students discovered Krulik’s humorous and light stories evolved from her own real-life experiences. The character George Brown is based on her son Ian, who "can burp the alphabet,” and Magic Bone is about her dog Josie.

“I wanted kids to want to read and figured the only way to do that is to make them laugh,” said Krulik. “In the Magic Bone series, kids get a little geography, because every time the dog takes a bite of the bone he goes to a different place.”

Galllagher worked with students during library media class teaching them some background information about Krulik and her books, including what her library call number is to help them find her books in any library.

Sparta Books also pre-sold the books, and students had an opportunity to get them personally autographed.

During the assembly, Krulik had the students create their own story using a mad lib technique and discussed point-of-view and character development of her soon to be released book “Don’t mess with the Ninja Puppy.”

A question and answer period followed the presentation. The students had some great questions for the author including, how do you start a story? and how were you inspired to be a writer?

Krulik has a very simple answer as to why she is a successful writer.

“I love writing almost as much as reading,” she said.

Sparta Books, located at 29 Theatre Center, sells a wide variety of Krulik’s books.