Head Start children see their book published

ASHTABULA – Make room on the bookshelf.
There’s some new authors in town.
Some Head Start students in Ashtabula have learned about the process of writing, illustrating and publishing a book by becoming authors themselves.
On Feb. 24, a publishing party was held for the students in their State Road classroom to celebrate the publication of their book, “Dream Pets,” through Studentreasures Publishing.
Students could finally hold the book in their hands as their teacher, Myalee Becker, read it in front of them and their proud parents. Picking up their pens, the kids also signed their book at the event.
“They seemed to like it,” Becker, the lead teacher in the classroom, said of the children’s experience. “They were really excited to see their books.”
According to Becker, 14 students between the ages of three and five were involved with the book.
The book was about pets the children couldn’t actually own.
“We have dinosaurs, we have unicorns, we have a rhinoceros, elephants, sharks, giraffes,” Becker said.
The children were asked four questions about the dream pet of their choice. They answered questions about what pet they picked and why, its name and what it likes to do.
In addition to their answers, the children’s  accompanying illustrations of their dream pet were published in the book.
Becker said the project helped the children learn more about books, how publishing works and what an author and illustrator does.
Candice Keene of Ashtabula sat with her grandson, Kobi Bryant, 5, as they read the book at a table.
“This was so cute and inspiring for them,” Candice said.
Kassie Lewis and son Michael Pearson, 3, were enjoying the book together.
“I think it’s adorable, perfect,” Kassie said.
Brittney Huffman of Ashtabula read the book with her son, Dvyon, 3.
“We loved it,” Brittney said. “I think it’s so creative.”
Dvyon picked a sea turtle named Mount for his dream pet.
“I wanted this pet because it has a shell,” he wrote. “My sea turtle likes to eat and go in the sea.”
Each child received a copy of the book to take home.