Contact: Maridith Geuder
STARKVILLE, Miss.--A Jackson-based author of children's books will lead a series of April 6 activities at Mississippi State during the university's annual Children's Reading Conference.
Robert Little, whose four published children's books are used in schools around the nation, will read from his works and visit with local pre-school children and participants in an afternoon school program held as part of the annual event. He also will visit with MSU education majors and faculty members.
Little's visit is sponsored by the curriculum and instruction department, College of Education, Holmes Cultural Diversity Center, and MSU Libraries.
"What CAN I Be?" "Jamaal's LUCKY Day!" "Grandma's Biscuits," and "FUN DAY in Mrs. Walker's Class" are among Little's better-known works. The latter, released last November, is illustrated by MSU alumnus Chuck Galey, also of Jackson.
Little, who also is designated a certified speaking professional by the National Speakers Association, brings a message of "following one's dreams and the power to succeed," said conference coordinator Nancy Verhoek-Miller.
"I met Mr. Little at the Mississippi Reading Association Conference and thought that he had the perfect child- and student-centered approach for this conference," she added.
The day's events include:
--10-11 a.m., Little speaking to two pre-school groups assembled in the first-floor auditorium and fourth-floor children's literature section of Mitchell Memorial Library.
--1:30-2:30 p.m., story sharing and book signing with MSU students, library's John Grisham Room.
--3:30-4:30 p.m., after-school sharing at Starkville's Brickfire Project, a local educational enrichment program located at 300 Peoples St.
"Mr. Little speaks to thousands of children, teachers and parents each year, and we're very pleased that he will be the featured author for this event emphasizing the importance of reading for children," Verhoek-Miller said.
NEWS EDITORS/DIRECTORS: For more information, telephone Dr. Verhoek-Miller at (662) 325-3747.