Children’s book author Jim Aylesworth engages his audience of second and third graders at Byron-Bergen Elementary School, May 9, with his book Naughty Little Monkeys. Provided photoChildren’s book author Jim Aylesworth shared his experiences on May 9 with pre-kindergartners through fourth-graders at Byron-Bergen Elementary School as part of the school’s Library Week Celebration.
Aylesworth talked with students about his experiences as a first-grader teacher and author of 34 children books.
“I got started writing books because of my students,” Aylesworth told students. “They helped me.”
One of Aylesworth’s books, Naughty Little Monkeys, coincides with the school’s The Leader in Me character education program, which was implemented for the first time last September.
According to Library Media Specialist Joyce Cullum Byron-Bergen Elementary School read Aylesworth’s books during library class time to help reinforce the seven habits of The Leader in Me.
Aylesworth’s books were written to be read aloud and filled with the things that he has learned that children like – especially rhythm, rhyme and repetition – according to Library Media Specialist Joyce Cullum. His books include some ABC, some fantasies, some based on folk tales or Mother Goose rhymes, and some bedtime stories.
“Jim Aylesworth knows what students enjoy,” Cullum said. “Reading encouragement is about predictability, as students are able to engage quickly based on rhythm, rhyme and repetition. Mr. Aylesworth is successful at this.”
