Two Bayview students now published illustrators MELISSA L. GAFFNEY,Senior Staff Writer Posted:02/19/09
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The dreams of a fourth grader are not unlike those of most grown-ups: They want to help others. They also want to be famous, of course.
For two Bayview Elementary School fourth graders, at least one of their dreams was fulfilled when author Lisa Funari-Willever recently announced the winners of the Franklin Mason Press Guest Young Author and Illustrator Contest.
Joseph Tice and Sebastian Patin, both 9 and from Belford, took first and second places, respectively, in Funari-Willever's contest, earning two colorful spots on the pages of a beautifully illustrated and meaningful book.
"A Glove of Their Own" was published by the Franklin Mason Press.
Dr. John G. Andl, the school's principal, said there has been a great literacy initiative in the Middletown School District, and several authors have been invited to Bayview.
When she visited the elementary school during the fall, Funari-Willever asked the students to submit illustrations for her then-upcoming publication.
Andl said the idea is that students will learn how writing and illustrating is inspired through personal experiences.
Funari-Willever asked the students to draw something "weird," Joseph explained.
"She showed us her books [when she visited], and I thought it was pretty cool that she let people put things in her books," he said.
Joseph's illustration of an alien took him five days to design, another five to color, he added.
Sebastian said he wanted to draw something that would be easy to color. His picture was of a boat.
"My dream is to go away with my family onto an island," Sebastian explained. "So I wanted to draw a boat."
Joseph said he also reflected a dream in his drawing, as he hopes to meet an alien some day.
Both 9-year-olds have other amibitions, however. Joseph would like to be an Olympic shooter one day, as well as a part-time illustrator. Sebastian wants to be a baseball-playing scientist, president and illustrator.
"My mom said I can be anything I want," Sebastian said. And they will be, as long as the fourth-grade excitement continues to inspire the students.
For their creations, Joseph and Sebastian were awarded $25 and $15, respectively. What did they do with their prizes? Joseph said his check is framed, while Sebastian said he wants to purchase some Pokemon cards - and save a few dollars.
Bayview Elementary School has several copies of "A Glove of Their Own" in the school's library. Copies are also available online and cost less than $11.
In conjunction with the book's message, 10 cents from each purchase will be donated to one of several sports organizations supported by Funari-Willever.
