Frances Keiser, author of the Pelican Pete books and the new Backyard Adventure series, recently visited
Seabreeze Elementary. Mrs. Keiser met with the students to talk to them about the process of writing and illustrating a book, and to educate the students about pelicans.
Mrs. Keiser held three assemblies in the media center throughout the morning. She began her presentation by explaining how she and her husband created their books. The students were excited to learn that Mr. Keiser, who was also present at the assembly, was the illustrator for all of the books. The Keisers’, who currently live in St. Augustine, enjoy writing books with an environmental theme. Mrs. Keiser told the students she chooses to write about things in nature because she wants to enjoy doing the research that is necessary to create an interesting story.
During the assembly, Mrs. Keiser asked the students a lot of questions about pelicans, and as many of the students had read the Pelican Pete books, they were eager to share what they had learned. One of the most surprising things the students learned during the assembly was that the pelican, one of the largest bird species, actually weighs comparable to a chicken. They were also surprised to learn that the pelican has to eat fish head first so they won’t be cut by the fins on the fish’s back.
After the students had answered all of Mrs. Keiser’s questions, she ended the presentation by reciting the book to the students as the pictures were displayed on the large projector screen. The students truly enjoyed meeting with Mrs. Keiser and learning more about one of the recent books they have read.
For more pictures from Frances Keiser's visit to Seabreeze Elementary, visit the
DCPS' flickr photostream.
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