Illustrator and Caldecott award-winning author Brian Pinkney visited Daniel Warren last month. Kindergarteners, first, and second graders welcomed him with drawings and posters. For months, they’ve been reading Pinkney’s books and learning about his life through various websites.

 By Janice Llanes Fabry

 

Illustrator and Caldecott award-winning author Brian Pinkney visited Daniel Warren last month. Kindergarteners, first, and second graders welcomed him with drawings and posters. For months, they’ve been reading Pinkney’s books and learning about his life through various websites.

 

“I want the students to feel as if it’s an old friend coming to visit,” said Rye Neck Media Specialist Linda Costelloe. “I also want them to know they can be authors and illustrators as well. Pinkney had a gift, but he had to practice and keep working at it. It’s good they understand that.”

 

Not only were the children familiar with Pinkney’s characters and stories, they were also aware of the various media he utilizes in his illustrations, scratchboard technique, watercolor, and oils. They enjoyed seeing pictures of his studio, as well as catching a glimpse of his sketchpad and his first self-portrait at age 15.

 

“I used to draw all the time, especially robots and superheroes. I went to art museums and took art classes. And I learned by watching my dad,” he said, referring to famous illustrator Jerry Pinkney. He also spoke about the books he collaborated on with his wife, bestselling author Andrea Davis Pinkney.

 

The multi-talented Pinkney — drummer, jazz aficionado, and tae kwon do black belt — treated the students to lessons in paradiddling, bebopping, scat singing, and side kicking.

 

What captivated the youngsters most, however, was his rich bibliography, which includes “Max Found Two Sticks,” “JoJo’s Flying Sidekick,” “Sukey and the Mermaid,” and “Where Does The Trail Lead?”