Goodrich – After two years of waiting, Reid Elementary students met the renowned Michigan illustrator Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen.
The artist is well known for illustrating Michigan’s official children’s book, ‘The Legend of Sleeping Bear?, by Kathy-jo Wargin, and for his 17 years as art director for Michigan Natural Resources Magazine.
‘Are there any kids here who think they cannot draw?? asked van Frankenhuyzen, as multiple hands stretched into the air in Reid’s media center during the May 6 visit.
With an easel and marker, the illustrator demonstrated basic shapes students can use in their drawings.
First, a large oval filled the paper, topped by a V, a ‘triangle without one of its sides?.
Soon, an owl took shape on each student’s paper.
Married to veterinarian Robbyn van Frankenhuysen, the illustrator’also known as ‘Mr. Nick? since students can rarely pronounce his name’has plenty of inspiration for his drawings.
The pair has begun writing and illustrating the Hazel Ridge Farm series, based on journals they’ve kept about foxes, skunks, owls, and other wildlife they’ve encountered at their Bath, MI home.
The journals have been valuable, reminding the couple of details they’d forgotten.
‘Even if you never write a book, wouldn’t you like to sit in your rocker when you’re 85 years old and read what you wrote?? he said.
Media center specialist Cheryl Matthews, who arranged for the visit? was exuberant at students? response.
‘It was worth waiting two years,? she said.
To learn more about Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen, go to http://my.voyager.net/robbyn.