March 25, 2022

By Kelli Gile, WVUSD Office of Community Resources 

DIAMOND BAR, CA--Quail Summit Elementary students entered a jungle of stories written by schoolmates during the Young Author’s Day held on March 24. 

The library and multipurpose room were transformed into a literary rainforest with miles of lush paper plants, grasses, and adorable wild animals.

A 20-foot-long tree adorned with green paper chain leaves served as the backdrop for a wall of children’s writing.

Throughout the day, classes on safari rotated through the experience to read each other’s books.

Friendly paper monkeys, alligators, frogs, snakes, and even sloths dangled from vines above the youngsters.

The children found cozy areas to enjoy the stories together while listening to the gentle sounds of chirping birds and rain showers.

“This is my book!” exclaimed first grader Cece Chen proudly pointing to her book about dogs on display.

“I wrote seven pages,” she said adding that the best thing about Young Author’s Day was “sharing it with other classes.”

In the morning, children’s authors Suzanne and Max Lang virtually presented their bestselling “Grumpy Monkey” books that support Social and Emotional Learning (SEL).

Children created monkey hats to wear during the reading expedition and afterward joined drawing and SEL activities.

“I liked reading other people’s stories,” commented third grader Chloe Choi who had authored a story about dolphins.

“Learning about sea animals is my favorite thing!”

After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the annual Young Author’s Day event with cross-age reading groups returned in the “reimagined” format.

“Our students work on their writing skills all year and on Young Author's Day they have a chance to share their work with the entire school community,” said Principal Frances Weissenberger.

“The energy on campus reminded us how excited students are that we were able to bring back Quail Summit traditions!”

Community Club parent volunteers chose the safari theme to coordinate with the “Grumpy Monkey” books and spent weeks cutting out animals, leaves, and vines.

“Our Community Club came up with all the decorations and brought this event to life,” gushed kindergarten teacher Sally Kim.

“We could not have done it without them!”

“We just want the kids to be happy and feel normal again!” shared Community Club President Angie Yung who has been a school volunteer for over a decade.

“It’s the best feeling!”

Shown:

Wild About Writing! Quail Summit Elementary hosted a jungle-themed Young Author’s Day on March 24.