Students in Ronnie Malave’s first-grade class at Briarcliff Elementary School received a special visit from local author and Briarcliff grandparent Peter Spier. Mr. Spier, an award-winning author and illustrator of over 40 children’s books, visited the students as part of the class’ “Authors as Mentors” study during their writing workshop unit.
    
Mr. Spier spoke to the class about the sources from which he draws inspiration for his many stories, as well as the book production process in general. He also answered students’ questions about some of his books they had read in class. An accomplished illustrator, he addressed the subject of illustrating stories, one of the first-graders’ favorite aspects of producing a book.
    
“Mr. Spier’s message was both simple and inspiring: You can tell an entire story through simple illustrations,” said Ms. Malave. Students concluded the session by reading their own self-published stories to Mr. Spier.