RENOWNED CHILDREN’S AUTHOR VISITS THE UNITED HEBREW INSTITUTE
Lindsay Barrett George authographs UHI students' favorite books
Lindsay Barrett George gives pointers on the drawings of UHI's preschool students
The United Hebrew Institute children enjoyed a visit from author/illustrator Lindsay Barrett George. She told her story of how she became an author/illustrator, taught workshops on a variety of topics and led a book signing session for the children. The children eagerly participated in all she offered that special day.
The United Hebrew Institute children listened intently as Lindsay Barrett George told her inspiring story of how she began to illustrate. When she was eight years old, she moved to the United States from the West Indies. She spoke only Spanish; therefore, she drew pictures of her West Indies home and that helped her to make friends here. After finishing high school and college, she married William T. George, a naturalist. They moved to a beautiful old schoolhouse in Long Pond, Pennsylvania and raised two children, William and Cammy. Through the years, Lindsay and her husband published books together that included their family and their beautiful surroundings. The very popular, educational “Long Pond Series” included books, such as Beaver at Long Pond and Box Turtle at Long Pond. Her husband used his expertise as a naturalist to write the words for the stories, and she used her talent for drawing animals in their natural environment to provide the illustrations. Lindsay wrote and illustrated many books, and continues to do that today. She also enjoys hiking and canoeing, but making children curious is what she loves the most!
After enjoying this interesting story, the children participated in a demonstration of how a book becomes published. Ms. Barrett George also explained how a book is designed with a pattern. They were fascinated with the processes! The original paintings from each page of her books were very large and the matching of the illustrations in “the gutter” or seam of the book were flawless. The illustrations contained secret words and messages that only the she, the illustrator, could reveal. The children were amazed!
Ms. Barrett George concluded her presentation with a demonstration of how to draw a dog. The children carefully drew every detail of the dog and gave the dog a name. The children were excited to know that this dog will be featured in her next book which is coming out soon. They also enjoyed a surprise visit from the dog, a small puppy named Maggie.
Throughout the day, the author graciously signed the children’s drawings and books. She patiently listened to the children’s explanations of their drawings and gave advice and encouragement to all. At the end of the session, she told the children, “Remember: Always do what you love.”