Best Selling Author, Alan Katz, Visits Engleman Elementary with Message of Literacy

Everyone can live a writerly life — even Elementary students.

Students have heard that encouragement before when stepping into Mrs. Jennifer Shafer-Ehlers’ 1st Grade classroom.  Yesterday, that message of literacy was affirmed for all Engleman Wildcats by a very special guest:

New York Times Bestselling Children’s Book Author, Alan Katz.

“You just have to be dedicated to writing and you'll find your own voice.”  Katz shared.

A welcome reminder for students and staff alike at Engleman.  

Throughout the full morning, Katz led three interactive sessions; one for Kindergarten and 1st Graders; 2nd and 3rd Graders; and 4th and 5th respectively.  He showcased examples of his silly songs, creative works from television, and his best-selling children’s books; all of it focused on one core concept — the way to confidently pursue your goals, no matter what they may be, is to have fun with reading and writing.

“I think reading is presented as an obligation and a chore all too often.” Katz said, “And if there's less of “you have to read 20 minutes a night” rather than kids saying, “Can I read for 30 minutes?” It's like, “Yes you can!” Stay up all night with a flashlight. I think giving kids ownership of what they read, and making it a joy rather than a chore goes a long way.”

A multi-best selling author and six-time Daytime Emmy Nominee, Alan Katz has found enjoyment in celebrating books and writing since he was in 1st Grade.  Running the gamut from board books to picture books, middle-grade series, trivia sets and more, Alan is the author of more than 50 highly acclaimed children’s books, including Take Me Out of the Bathtub and Other Silly Dilly Songs, Don’t Say That Word!, OOPS!, Poems I Wrote When No One Was Looking, The Day the Mustache Took Over, and Awesome Achievers in Technology.

Among his newest titles are the New York Times bestseller Misty the Cloud: A Very Story Day (written with the Today Show’s Dylan Dreyer) and its sequel Misty the Cloud: Friends Through Rain or Shine. 

Throughout his career, Katz has visited more than 500 schools carrying the same message to all:  Reading and writing unlocks so much possibility.

So how did Alan Katz find his way to Engleman Elementary?

Look no further than veteran 1st Grade Educator Mrs. Shafer-Ehlers who made lemonade out of an unfortunate situation.  

Engleman 1st Grade wrote a grant to help fund a field trip to the annual Plum Creek Children’s Literacy Festival in Seward.  When she received word the annual event was canceled by the hosting organization, Mrs. Shafer-Ehlers went to work.  Her idea was to invite the authors who were slated to present at the literacy festival to visit Engleman instead. 

“I just emailed the authors, and Alan emailed me back within five minutes. Amazing!” Shafer-Ehlers recounted, “And so we've been emailing back and forth phone calls, and he's here. We love it!”

A fierce advocate for early childhood literacy, Mrs. Shafer-Ehlers has become known for her love of reading and implementing children’s book author studies in her class year-after-year.  Once Katz agreed to make the trip from Connecticut to Grand Island, Mrs. Shafer-Ehlers knew this opportunity would be valuable not just for her 1st Graders – but all Engleman students.

And so it was a morning of laughter, learning, and celebrating creativity.

Engleman students enjoyed opportunities to sing along with Katz through a few of his “infamous” silly songs, they heard the stories that inspired his favorite writing projects, and even collaborated with him on an interactive poetry writing prompt.  Each activity rooted in the practical, simple reminder that reading and writing are more than just fun activities — they make life more meaningful. 

For Mrs. Shafer-Ehlers, it was a dream come true having someone of Katz’s caliber in the school sharing with students.

“It just shows every kid that they can read, they can write, and you keep doing it. Every day.” Shafer-Ehlers continued, “You find books that you love, you keep reading, you keep writing. I always tell my kids to live a writerly life, which is when you find something that makes you laugh, makes you sad, write about it. Then, like he [Katz] said, if you haven't found a book that you like, keep looking, because there's books about everything, and you'll find it.”

But Katz’s work wasn’t the only original writing celebrated yesterday.

Before starting the first morning session, 1st Grader Carter Klanecky handed Katz a few small pieces of paper.  On the little packet were Carter’s own illustrations and lyrics to his rendition of, “Take Me Out to the Pet Shop” — directly inspired by Alan Katz’s silly song, “Take Me Out of the Bathtub”.

In addition to seeing hundreds of smiling faces inspired by the love of reading, receiving Carter’s original work was a memorable highlight for Katz.

“He wrote this!  How much do I love that; that he expressed himself. He probably didn't get up thinking, “try to be a writer”, but he turned four pieces of paper into something creative and wonderful. Amazing.”

Looking at all the student-made artwork adorning the halls welcoming him to the school and posters for the covers of his books, Katz not only felt welcome, he felt something deeper.

“It’s a privilege to be able to share what I do and whatever influence and whatever inspiration they get from me.” Katz reflected, “I get the same inspiration from all of them.”

More information about Alan Katz and his work may be found at alankatzbooks.com.