As part of School Library Month, Southwestern Central School District welcomed author and illustrator Rachel DiNunzio on April 24 for a day of creativity, storytelling, and inspiration with students in Pre-K through eighth grade.

Throughout her visit, DiNunzio gave students a behind-the-scenes look at the publishing process, sharing how a simple idea can grow into a finished book. Her presentations encouraged students to embrace their creativity while highlighting an important message for all ages: to be authentic and “be you.”
 

Southwestern High School Book Club members also participated in an interactive drawing workshop with DiNunzio, where they explored the art of visual storytelling. Students practiced using facial expressions and emotions to help bring their characters to life on the page.

Students also had the opportunity to purchase signed books through Monkey See Monkey Do Bookstore.

The district thanks DiNunzio for sharing her time and talents, and for inspiring students to recognize that their voices and stories matter.