Author, Illustrator Highlight Central's 'Book-a-Palooza'

Learning to read is one thing; learning to read between the lines is another—which is what author David Adler got students at Central School's Young Author's Day thinking about, Friday.

Adler, and illustrator Judith Natelli McLaughlin, of Millburn, visited the school to cap the week-long "Book-a-Palooza," which also included a book fair and book giva-aways, in addition to classroom lessons.

Adler, author of more than 200 books, including the popular Cam Jansen mystery series, spoke to the students about where he gets his ideas for his books.

Adler said many times, the events in his books are taken from his own life experiences—which he said many authors also do, offering students an insight into writing as well as reading.

Many of Adler's books are biographies and historical stories of important events and people.

McLaughlin used a slide show presentation to show the students her method of building her illustrations over time, adding more and more for greater texture and clarity.

McLaughlin also taught students a lesson on poetry, which she does in addition to her illustrations.   

"Book-a-palooza" was sponsored by the school's PTO, which also purchased and presented autographed copies of Adler's book to each student, as well as a Central School nylon bag for books.