Author, illustrator Ashley Wolff visits Southwick School

NORTHFIELD — Through a Children’s Literacy Foundation grant, secured by Chelsea Bennett of the Hall Memorial Library, students at Southwick School enjoyed a visit from author and illustrator Ashley Wolff.

Wolff grew up in Middlebury, Vermont and holds a bachelor of fine arts from Rhode Island School of Design. She is the author and/or illustrator of over 60 children’s picture books including “Where, Oh, Where is Baby Bear?,” “Baby Beluga by Raffi,” “Stella and Roy Go Camping,” and “Who Took the Cookies from the Cookie Jar?”

The students and staff were amazed as she demonstrated how her illustration skills progressed from the age of 5 though today.  

She said, “I like to begin at the beginning by introducing artwork from my own first storytelling attempts. Family, friends, and pets inspired me then, as they do now. As I turn to published picture books, students learn how a story becomes ‘real’ — from first research to those last little details. At each step, the importance of passion, perseverance, and practice to become better at anything is emphasized.” 

CLiF arranges for more than 65 professional authors, illustrators, poets, graphic novelists, and storytellers to give inspiring presentations for children. These memorable events help kids get excited about books, stories, reading, and writing. CLiF holds nearly 1,000 events each year.

For more information, visit ss.wrsdsau59.org/en-US.