Expat Life - Meet local Authors.

Maplewood is a unique community with a lot of creativity and access to the arts.

Today at Maplewood Library, 7pm, local families will get to meet Laurie Keller - popular author and illustrator of  "Arnie the Doughnut" and "Scrambled States of America". The books are hilariously silly. How fortunate to get to meet such an author, right here in town.

http://www.maplewoodlibrary.org/

Last month, at Jefferson School, the 3rd graders worked with Peter Catalanotto, another acclaimed author and illustrator. He led writing workshops and guided the students to create ideas and turn them into stories. He made them think. He let them think big.  There was a final evening session were the children showcased their work to their parents.  We met the future generation of published authors!

"The quality of the students' work is second only to their ability to take information and apply it. In the culminating evening program I heard stories read that were incredibly sophisticated for young writers. The teachers were terrific and supportive as the students worked hard between my visits, but it starts at the top--Ms. Grierson, the principal, desires her children to be creative and critical thinkers. Like me, she believes teaching children creativity can lead to richer lives both in and out of a career." - Peter Catalanotto.

Words Bookstore has an amazing array of events all year long with opportunities to meet fabulous authors too. http://wordsbookstore.com/

How lucky are we to have access to such programs locally! There are many other authors and illustrators living in these towns. I am so happy that my children's education includes real-life creative experiences like this.

Check out Maplewood, South Orange, Millburn - a quick, easy commute to Mid-Town NYC and to Newark airport. Start your home search here: www.the-british-agent.com

Karen Westwood - "The British Agent" - Keller Williams Mid-Town Direct Realty