Authors and Illustrators

Authors and Illustrators Day began in 1997. Assistance League continues to inspire children to read and write. All twenty elementary schools in the Glendale Unified School District have been visited three times since that date! Five schools are visited each year. Currently, over $244,000 has been spent by Assistance League promoting literacy and enriching reading in the  Glendale community.

A date is chosen and four or five published authors and illustrators are employed for the day. On the day of the event, these presenters visit classrooms and explain how books are written and illustrated. The authors discuss the process of writing and relate it to the work students are learning in class. The illustrative process appeals especially to children interested in art.

In the days preceding the visits by the authors and illustrators, Assistance League members visit classes to read selections from the authors' books to the children to familiarize them with the author and illustrator they will meet. The school library is given signed copies of all books published (in print) by the presenters. In addition, one book is given to each classroom. A much appreciated gift of $1500 for purchasing more books is given to the school library.

Assistance League of Glendale is pleased to present Authors and Illustrators Day because it encourages reading and connects school to a potential career interest.

One highlight of the day is a social period for the entire school staff and the presenters at a luncheon prepared and served by volunteer members of Assistance League.

Teachers profess that, "This one day does more to promote literacy than a thousand lectures could achieve".