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Students Take A Ride Through History With Children's Author And Illustrator
By Keith Hagarty
 | | Showing that reading and the arts can open up the windows of creativity and exploration, children's book author and illustrator Michael Dooling was an historical hit with the students of Switlick Elementary School last week. |
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JACKSON - With 50 children's books written and illustrated and over one million sold, Michael Dooling has attained a lot in his 20-year career.
But perhaps one of his greatest achievements was watching the Switlick Elementary students engrossed by what he had to say and mesmerized by his bevy of artistic creations.
While the students were amazed, their eyes fixed on his canvas as he painted a child's face last Friday, being able to promote reading, art and history in a child's mind is for Dooling more important than any accolades he may ever receive for his ability with a paintbrush.
"It's a lot of fun to see the kids' reactions," he said. "It's a good audience."
His books tend to feature stories from a child's point of view in an historical perspective, with titles such
as "The Amazing Life of Benjamin
Franklin," "Young Thomas Edison," "Lewis and Clark and Me: A Dog's Tale," and "Mary Anning and the Sea Dragon." In addition, Dooling has also done artwork for national magazines, including Reader's Digest and Disney's Adventure Magazine, as well as recently illustrating a U.S.
Postal stamp.
"I've always like history," said Dooling. "Plus my pictures kind of look old fashioned, so the book companies try to match up the style of the story with the style of the art."
Citing classic American artist Norman Rockwell as one of his inspirations growing up, Dooling praised his mother for setting him on the right path to reach his goals.
"My mom had got me interested because she had gone to art school, she was the one who showed me the ropes," he said. Studying illustration at Syracuse University served as a good foundation for honing his artistic talent.
"I think you're born with a certain amount of ability," said Dooling. "But even when you have that ability, you still have to learn the skill."
Dooling's visit was the brainchild of the Jackson Parent-Teacher Network (PTN).
"Anything to bring reading to the students," said Ann Marie Engle, chairperson of the cultural committee for the PTN. "I think it's so important that they are introduced to something like this, which is just wonderful."
Dooling created portraits of 10 students during the day, with Engle's fourth grade son, Clayton, being one of the lucky 10 models.
"He was very impressed," she said, noting her son's pride in having his image transferred to the canvas and signed by Dooling, which Engle already plans to have framed as soon as possible. "He had his head held high and was all smiling," she said. "He thought he was on top of the world."
Engle was asked how she would feel should any of the students use Dooling's visit as future motivation to someday become a famous children book author or illustrator in their own right.
"It would make me feel really good-especially if it was mine," she said laughing.
Encouraging the children to read can have invaluable lasting benefits, with Assistant Principal Elaine Simpson believing Dooling's presence as an artist and an inspirational author could serve as a great influence.
"They loved it," Simpson said of Dooling's sit-down lunch meet and greet with several of the fifth grade students. "They got to ask him a lot of questions, they wanted to know he became an illustrator, where he went to college, and they were very enthusiastic. You could really see how into it they were. They were very attentive."
Students were able to read a number of Dooling's books and illustrations weeks prior to his visit to familiarize them with his work.
"I was just extremely pleased with this assembly," said Simpson. "It was very worthwhile."
Expanding a child's appreciation and understanding of the arts is way more than just admiring a pretty picture, according to Simpson.
"The arts are very important for creative
thinking," said Simpson. When asked if she
ever draws or paints herself, Simpson quipped, "Unfortunately, just stick figures."
More information about Dooling, his books, artwork and what's coming up next can be found at his website: michaeldooling.com.
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