Engaging and Inspirational Author Visited MES
Author Natalie Kinsey-Warnock is presenting to the 4th and 5th grade classes here. Photo: Leah Belitsos
By Liv Perry
Do you have family stories that you tell or have written down? We all have family stories that should not be forgotten. This was one of many of the messages conveyed during the recent author event, Wednesday, May 4th in the Morristown Elementary School Library. Vermont Children’s Author Natalie Kinsey-Warnock presented to all the students, k-5th grade, as well as the Elmore School students. “Natalie was highly engaging and kept the students “oowing” and “awing” for over an hour…as a teacher, I even left feeling inspired to start asking more questions and collecting stories!” reported Leah Belitsos. Third grader, Haleigh Audet, said, “I liked when she told us all about her life and her animals.” “What I thought was cool yesterday was that she collects images from a long time ago and brings them back before they’re forgotten,” said Kaylee Spaulding, third grader. Based on the high level of engagement during the program and feedback in the week following, it was a widely popular and inspirational event for all ages.
Natalie was very thoughtful in the way she answered students’ many questions. Some were the standard sort: what’s your favorite book you’ve written (As long as there are mountains), how old were you when you started writing stories (2nd grade), and why did you first decide to become a writer (to tell people about my grandma, who was an amazing woman – The Canada Geese Quilt). Other questions were a bit more specific and sometimes trivial: How big is your horse (19 hands), how old were you when you rescued your first animal (four years old – a puppy was left behind the barn), how many books have you written this year (5), and how many books have you written in your whole life (over 100). One student asked her why there are always babies in her stories; this was the first time she had that question, so it gave her reason to pause (it wasn’t intentional, families used to have more kids, when there are big families someone always seems to be having babies). Based on the questions, students were well versed in her books as well as listening closely during her talks.
Natalie told many different family stories that she’s uncovered over the years. Some have already worked their way into books, while others are waiting their turn. When asked about what they thought was interesting about her talk, students mostly focused on animal rescues and old family stories. Here are just tidbits from two of them. Joe Yando, 5th grader, said, “I think the story was funny about how they were skinny dipping and waved to the king and queen.” The King and Queen of England were travelling by train through the Vermont countryside when they passed a lake with swimmers who jumped out and waved to the royalty – some of Natalie’s ancestors! The longest story she told was found about fifteen years ago while conducting research. Natalie learned about the sinking of the Sultana (America’s worst ship disaster) and the fact that her relative survived it. It was a paddle wheel steam boat on the Mississippi River that was transporting Northern soldiers back home after the Civil War ended. She compared it to the Titanic disaster. Many more people died from the Sultana’s last trip on April 27, 1865, when its cracked boiler exploded sinking the ship, yet most people have never heard of it. This was the story that seemed to illicit the most reaction. There were close to a dozen more family stories that she related to the children during her visit.
She says that staying active, healthy, and spending time outdoors helps her to be a better writer. She’s had very close encounters with animals: coyotes leaping over her as she slept; bear, bobcat, and moose in her path or road while biking and rollerblading. While snowshoeing a wild turkey didn’t see her and flew into her head. It certainly helps her tell stories! She is definitely inspirational to us to get outside to see nature and to exercise.
Of course, she talked about her writing process. She writes by hand with paper and pencil outside in a field, with her many dogs and Dog-Cat (a cat that acts like a dog). She usually rewrites her stories at least 40 times to make them better and so she can be proud of them. This was well received by teachers who sometimes struggle to get students to work on rewrites. It can take 4-5 years from the time she writes till the books are printed. Unfortunately, many of her books are out of print. She’s working on bringing some of them back. Fifth grader Annie Keith responded, “While I am interested in reading her books, I’m more inspired to go visit my grandmother and talk to her to find out her stories.” Natalie wouldn’t be disappointed; her message got through.
There’s no doubt that the author has made a strong impression on the students and staff. Stephanie Viet reported, “When I picked up my two boys, Charlie and Gus, at GMK, they were overflowing with enthusiasm about the author visit along with other kids! My kids shared stories throughout the night and we read her books!” Some people are looking for ways to help animals – through adoptions or volunteering. Others are talking to their family members looking for stories. Three days after the visit, one parent commented that her typically quiet son has been chatting up a storm telling about multiple stories from Natalie’s presentation. Liz Winn, music teacher, wrote, "She really inspired me to get back to my own writing since I have so many stories. I hope the children can see that writing isn't something they're supposed to do, but a way to share their stories with others." The librarian was even inspired to write this article. Let’s hope that the effect Natalie has on MES is long lasting.
Natalie had finished the slide portion of her presentation and was showing she’s written books from family stories on both sides of her family as 2nd and 3rd graders listen closely. Photo: Liv Perry
Natalie is showing one of her grandma’s quilts as Teacher Jenn Batten helps to display it while kindergarten and first graders look on. It was her grandmother that inspired her to become a writer – so she wouldn’t be forgotten. Photo: Liv Perry