Guest author and illustrator Jonathan Miller will visit Darlington's Pre-K to 8 division Oct. 5 to speak to students about reading, the writing process, illustrating and book making. Miller is the author and illustrator of the children's book series, The Adventures of Sammy the Wonder Dachshund (sammydogbooks.com).
"I can’t wait for Darlington students to have the opportunity to get to know Sammy, The Wonder Dachshund, and his talented creator," said Jenna Black, art teacher for grades 2-8.
Miller grew up in Clover, S.C., before moving to Charleston in 1998 to study business at the College of Charleston. Shortly after college, the longtime artist began to make cards and small pieces of art out of construction paper that he cut and layered into colorful—and often comical—designs. After a spark flew between he and a friend’s dachshund, The Adventures of Sammy the Wonder Dachshund children’s book series was born.
To create the illustrations, Miller used the same construction paper process, but on a much larger scale. Hundreds and thousands of pieces of paper go into a single illustration that can take some 30 hours to make. Miller has now written and illustrated four books: “Sammy’s Last Week in Charleston,” “Sammy on Safari,” “Sammy in Space” and “A History of Wonder Dachshunds.”
"Miller’s artistry in paper-cutting illustrations is unique and incredibly intricate and beautifully done. His stories are fun and entertaining for all," said Black.
Miller’s work has been featured on ETV and covered in Vineyard Vines’ summer 2010 clothing catalogue. One of his books was even read on Lifetime Network's hit TV show, “Army Wives.” He has spoken at the Savannah Book Festival, SC Book Festival, and Capital Bookfest. He still lives in Charleston and spends most of his time traveling to approximately 130 schools per school year, reading his books and speaking to students about reading, writing, art, and book making, all with a sense of humor that appeals to kids and adults alike. Ask him to tell you about some of his experiences in the classroom, he has some hilarious tales!
"I know I have personally read his books over and over again to my children," said Black. "They are favorites in my house for sure. I’m so happy I discovered them years ago when we lived in Charleston, and I’m thrilled that the author/illustrator of these wonderful books will be here to share them with our school community."
Please click here for an order form if you are interested in purchasing Miller's books. You may also want to check out these YouTube links to animated versions of two of his books. Orders are due by Thursday, Oct. 4.
