Children’s Book Author Encourages Edison Elementary Students to Use Their Imagination

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Ben Clanton, Seattle-based children’s book author, visited Centralia’s Edison Elementary Thursday to talk to students about his book “Narwhal and Jelly” and sign copies of the book. 

“I definitely love moments like this when I get to come visit kids. Because reading was such a struggle for me as a kid, I like hearing about kids being excited about books and reading and if my books can play a part in making that happen it’s really cool,” said Clanton when talking about the most rewarding part about being a children’s book author.

Clanton gave a presentation to students in kindergarten through sixth grade in the library, adapting the presentation for each age group. Several students showed their excitement for the author’s visit by wearing narwhal horns made of paper. The entrance of the school was decorated with a large sign that read “Ahoy Ben!” to welcome the author. 

During his presentation, he drew characters created from suggestions from the students. The first character was a combination of an alligator, lion, and frog. The fourth graders were delighted at the sight of the “Froligator.” Clanton shared with the students that reading was challenging for him as a kid and the first book that got him excited to read was “Harry Potter.” 

Clanton showed the students some of the first drafts of his book “Narwhal and Jelly” and how he practiced the drawings of the narwhal and jellyfish many times before he felt he got them right. He told students that drawing is like anything else the students want to get good at — practice is key. 

“I liked the pictures that he drew,” said Grady Langan, a fourth grader at Edison Elementary when asked what was his favorite part of Clanton’s presentation. Langan said he likes to draw and loves looking at the graphic novel style drawings in “Narwhal and Jelly.”



Principal of Edison Elementary, Andy Justice, said they had been working to get Clanton to Edison for about a year. 

“It’s been a long time coming so it’s a pretty big deal,” he said.

He explained that they try to get an author to come talk to the students at least once a year in an effort to get students more excited about reading. 

“(Clanton’s) books are really easy to read and they’re really engaging for kids. I know in his presentation he talks about how he makes mistakes, things take time and you’re not perfect right away. That is a part of a growth mindset that we try to teach the kids,” said Justice.