Wildlife photographer and children’s author Patsy Smith Roberts will visit students at Thatcher Hall to share stories, photos and artifacts from her series of children’s books on Wednesday, April 22.
"The annual author visit was a beloved tradition at our Lower School for many years, and it was very important to the Library Services department to continue that tradition with the move to Thatcher Hall," said Overberg.
Smith Roberts will read passages from her stories to students in the Early Learning Academy through fifth grade and autograph books inside the Joanne G. Yancey Library. She is the author of several fiction works including “Billy Ray, the Adventures of a Vervet Monkey," "Nigel, The Adventures of a Baby Elephant and His Meerkat Friend Moe," and "Rory, The Adventures of a Lion Cub."
The author's books are based on photographs that she has taken while on safari in Africa, spanning over 20 visits in the last two decades. Her use of animal sounds helps make the stories come to life for young children, in addition to a variety of different artifacts she has collected including a warthog tusk and a lion’s claw.
Smith Roberts is a native of southeast Georgia, and currently resides in St. Simons Island, Ga.
"Author visits not only get students excited about reading, but can really inspire creativity and risk-taking,” said Liz Overberg, ELA-8 librarian. “When students hear an author talk about the writing process and the journey from ‘idea’ to ‘publication,’ it sends a strong message about working hard and following a dream."
For more information about the annual author visit, contact Liz Overberg at loverberg@darlingtonschool.org.
