National authors exhibit the art of storytelling

Garapan Elementary School 1st graders witnessed yesterday their favorite story books come to life before their very eyes as two of the most published children’s books authors read them tales embedded with old fashioned values and wisdom.

The children gasped in awe and delight while the seasoned San Francisco-based storytellers Dr. Alma Flor Ada and Ms. F. Isabel Campoy read their works that school students in public schools nationwide grew up with over the years.

Through an innovative storytelling technique, the visiting authors invited student participation by assigning them to take on impromptu character roles.

“The secret to storytelling is in the heart. If you look into their eyes and they start opening up and saying, “Something mysterious is going to happen”. . .and then the mystery happens,” said Ms. Campoy, a poet and writer of 60 children’s books for 10 years now.

“It’s wonderful to see their enthusiasm. . .it’s really a wonderful experience being here,” she added.

Dr. Ada, who has also published at least 200 books in her entire writing career, is the genius behind “Olmo and the Blue Butterfly,” a personal favorite among local kids.

According to the author, the character in the book, Olmo, is hailed from the persona of a real live boy much like regular grade school students, who has an ardent knack for adventure.

“Olmo is the grandson of the lady who drew illustrations for this book. He is a boy who never likes to stay quiet in one place. He runs and jumps and runs again. And this is the message I really want to impart, that you can be anything you want to be. . .and reading about wonderful things could help you realize this,” Dr. Ada told 1st graders yesterday.

The Public School System has subscribed to a number of the national authors’ books over the years. PSS teachers have read it to their students and students now know those tales by heart.

Yesterday, Dr. Ada and Ms. Campoy met with teachers and principals to share with them tips on how to write for children.

“Another important message we want to leave behind is that we also encourage children to write books about themselves. It’s good that they know about the world but it’s also very important that they know about their own culture and admire their own people,” said Ms. Campoy, who published her first children’s book at the age of 46.

A professor at the San Francisco State University, Dr. Ada developed her deep love for writing and storytelling through her father, grandmother and uncle.

Raised in Cuba, Dr. Ada is fluent in both English and Spanish, an advantage that according to her, has made the world richer in her eyes.

“I believe that all children should be given the opportunity to learn two or more languages when they are young and can do so easily. For that reason, I am delighted that my books are published in both English and Spanish,” she said.

Some of her more recognized works include Dear Peter Pan, My Name is Maria Isabel, The Malachite Palace and Yours Truly, Goldilocks.

Meanwhile, Ms. Campoy, born in Alicante City, a true artist by heart, spent years mastering her craft by joining art-oriented organizations.

“Since I published my first children’s book, I devoted all my time to writing poetry, theater, art, and the culture of the Hispanic world. A life in full circle, now devoted to give children their own opportunity to dream,” said Ms. Campoy.