Syracuse, N.Y. – Acclaimed children’s author and illustrator Peter H. Reynolds will visit Syracuse Tuesday and Wednesday for a two-day residency as the 2019 speaker for the Syracuse University School of Education and Jo-Linda and Dennis Keith Distinguished Speaker Series.
Reynolds has inspired children of all ages with his messages about authentic learning, creativity, bravery, empathy and courageous self-exploration. His books include “The Dot,” “Ish,” “The Word Collector,” “Happy Dreamer” and “Say Something!”
Reynolds will make two public appearances during his residency and also visit Van Duyn Elementary School in Syracuse.
Details of Reynolds Visit:
- At 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 19, Reynolds will present a public keynote “One Brave Dot” at Stolkin Auditorium in the Physics Building at Syracuse University (campus map). He will discuss several of his books and how they encourage readers to keep positive, keep dreaming and keep expressing themselves. He will also talk about his new book “Say Something!” and how it’s important to stand for others in a world where a few loud voices can drown out more nuanced, marginalized ones. The presentation is free and open to the public.
- From 9:30-11 a.m. Wednesday, March 20, Reynolds will meet with students at Van Duyn Elementary School, 401 Loomis Ave., Syracuse. The Keith Distinguished Speaker Series is donating several sets of Reynolds’ books to Van Duyn.
- From 3-5 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, Reynolds will hold a community event at Onondaga County Central Library, 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. He will read from one of his books, followed by an interactive activity and a meet-and-greet with families. The event is free and open to the public.
Reynolds also illustrated the best-selling “I am Yoga, I am Peace, I am Human” and “The Water Princess” with Susan Verde, as well as the “Judy Moody” series by Megan McDonald. He lives in the Boston area where he founded The Blue Bunny, a family-owned and operated children’s book, toy & creativity store. With his twin brother, Paul, he launched the Reynolds Center for Teaching, Learning, and Creativity, a not-for-profit organization that encourages creativity and innovation in teaching and learning.
The Keith Distinguished Speaker Series
The Jo-Linda and Dennis Keith Distinguished Speaker Series was established by Jo-Linda and Dennis Keith in 2017 to bring exceptional and award-winning authors and illustrators to share their expertise about the craft of writing children’s picture books on topics that matter.
“Peter has an amazing ability to write about developmentally appropriate concepts for children on topics which children can and should relate to,” says Jo-Linda Keith, a 1965 Syracuse University graduate. “His wonderful illustrations make these words come alive which hopefully will initiate discussion in the classroom.”
