Authors teach kids write stuff

‘Imagine ... Read’ event strives to keep fourthgrade students absorbed in reading and writing -- and SpongeBob. “You could write the next SpongeBob book,” author Annie Auerbach told a group of budding student writers during Rea Elementary School’s annual Authors Day Thursday.

The event, called “Imagine ... Read,” strives to ignite interest in reading and writing in students, offering them an opportunity to meet the creators of the books they have read. Auerbach, author of four SpongeBob SquarePants books, spent the morning reading, answering questions and transforming Rea’s fourth-grade students into a group of aspiring writers. The author stressed the importance of using imagination, something she said all people have in common.

After reading “SpongeBob SuperStar,” a story in which the main character becomes an underwater daredevil, Auerbach led the children through a “Mad-Lib”-style writing of their own story.

Together the group wrote “My Weirdest Christmas Ever,” in which a fire-breathing carrot kidnaps one of the school’s teachers, and the children battle an angry apple in a game of soccer to save her.

After the children wrote their story, the author let them know that even professional writers have to correct their work.

“One thing you can do over and over again is revise,” Auerbach said. “It’s not always best the very first time.”

The group did just that, rewriting the story with a fire-breathing broccoli and a trip into the sunset on the back of an elephant.

Auerbach, who has penned about 80 books, found reading to the students a rewarding experience.

“The kids are so responsive. They ask great questions,” Auerbach said. “It is great to get them excited about reading.”

Rea’s principal, Gloria Hardy, said she hoped the students’ time with the authors would make a lasting impression on how reading and writing affects life.

“As they experience being with an author they see life on both sides of the reader and the writer,” Hardy said. “It allows us to celebrate reading in a special way, getting to know the authors and their journey. It’s an inspirational component the kids can be a part of.”

The group writing process piqued the students’ interest, although some said they would rather read alone than in a group.

“I liked it but I prefer reading by myself because I can keep on going,” said fourth-grader Amberly Ramirez.

Auerbach said writing SpongeBob stories was easy and fun.

“The best part about writing SpongeBob is trying to get him out of all the situations he gets himself into,” she said.

Janette Diaz, one of the participating students, agreed.

“SpongeBob is a great character because he always gets in trouble,” Janette said.

After reading and writing, the fourth-graders peppered the author with questions, asking about her city of birth, her marital status and whether there are any other writers in her family. One bold girl even requested an autograph.

Fourth-grader Alan Calderon asked Auerbach if she was indeed famous.

“Amongst my family, yes,” she said. 20060207iuagelncDON LEACH / DAILY PILOT(LA)Annie Auerbach reads from the SpongeBob SquarePants series to Rea Elementary students. She has written several books starring the popular character.