By Janice Llanes Fabry
It’s not every day local elementary school students grace the pages of a children’s book, so the November 22 release of “Henry’s Heart” by Charise Mericle Harper was cause to celebrate.
“It was an incredible experience for our students to get inside the head of an illustrator and to experience the joys, difficulties, and frustrations of writing a children’s book,” explained Media Specialist Linda Costelloe. “Charise showed us that we could bring out the author and illustrator within ourselves. The kids were empowered.”
Author of the popular “Fashion Kitty” and “Just Grace” books and a Rye Neck parent herself, Ms. Harper explained that her goal was to take the young students, all 350 of them, through the process. “Wouldn’t it be cool if I could show the kids it’s not magic that makes a book, but a lot of hard work? This book means more to me than the others. I hope the Daniel Warren students feel they wrote it, too.”
The sweet tale about a boy, his talking heart and a new best friend depicts the anatomy of the heart and encourages exercise and healthy eating habits. Ms. Harper incorporated Daniel Warren kids’ healthy snack ideas, as well as their designs of Henry and his sister’s clothing and their collage buildings.
During a December 1 celebration, poster boards highlighted the students’ contributions to “Henry’s Heart”. Ms. Costelloe described the evening best: “The school has been abuzz with Charise fervor. We are grateful for the incredible gift she has given to these kids and to us all. Around here, she’s a rock star.”
On a memorable dedication page, Ms. Harper included each student’s name, along with the teachers. During the presentation, she told them, “I am so proud of you. Whenever you see ‘Henry’s Heart’ anywhere in the world, your name will be in the book.”
The artificial turf and drainage installation will transform an 82,000-square-foot athletic field on 6.75 acres…
The Rye Record is looking for a talented advertising sales director.
The new owner of G. Griffin Wine & Spirits plans to continue the business as…
County Executive George Latimer maintains a substantial fundraising lead over his Democratic primary opponent --…
If you live in the Rye City School District, you may find just what you…
Adam Kessner and Steve Miller, two Rye fathers whose sons have just successfully survived the…