Award-winning author Robert Beatty, known for the Serafina series, was selected as this year’s Little Read author for fourth-grade students, leaving an indelible mark on young readers and budding writers.

Jennifer Heavner, fourth-grade teacher at Lower Creek Elementary, said her students request this beloved series every year. “They beg to read the entire series after we finish the first book,” Heavner said. “Watching the kids’ faces light up while they were listening to his presentation was magical for me. His books truly spark interest in even the most hesitant reader.”

With an impressive literary portfolio that includes the New York Times bestselling series “Serafina and the Black Clock,” Beatty captivated eager students with stories about his creative writing process, providing a glimpse into the origin of his first attempts at writing and how he conceives and develops his storytelling ideas.

Lower Creek Elementary fourth graders had different takeaways from the engaging and interactive presentation. “I liked that he told us how he was young when he started to write books and used a typewriter,” said Asher Madrigal. Others, such as Musaeed Ahmed enjoyed the book trailers that ignited the imagination into a world of mystery, magic, and adventure.

The young audience hung on his every word, such as Jayden Dubuque who said, “I love that his books create pictures in my mind as I read them.”

Beatty’s presentation not only ignited students' imaginations but also encouraged them to explore their creative potential. He emphasized the importance of practice, persistence, and the joy of reading as fundamental elements in the journey of becoming a writer.

Elementary Director Adrienne Dula said Beatty sparked curiosity and interest in reading not only his book but many books to come. “It was an experience our students will never forget,” Dula said.

About the Little Read:

The Little Read is designed to present renowned children’s authors annually to fourth graders in the Caldwell County Schools. The program celebrates outstanding literary works written by accomplished North Carolina authors, who catalyze by encouraging students to recognize their skill sets in reading and writing and embrace their creativity and imagination at an early age.

This is the 14^th annual Little Read presentation, with the first author presentation in 2008. Renowned children’s authors have featured published books, ranging from narrative nonfiction to poetry to contemporary fiction. The Little Read is funded in part by the Education Foundation Inc. of Caldwell County.