Popular Children's Author Delights Students

Anyone with young children knows how difficult it can be to hold their attention for more than five minutes—and even that's a challenge.

So maybe you could learn a thing or two from children’s author Tedd Arnold, who captivated a gym-full of kids for 45 minutes—three times in one day—at last week.

Arnold, author of such popular titles as Parts, No Jumping on the Bed!, and the Fly Guy series, came to Roberts and elementary schools last week, a visit sponsored by the Home and School Association.

“I’m out here … to demonstrate to these kids that there’s fun to be had in books and in learning,” he said. And judging from the children’s enthusiastic reactions during his colorful presentation, they got the message loud and clear.

Arnold explained his strategy for keeping the kids’ attention: “You have to keep moving, get them to participate vocally. And humor. You have to use humor … I love to hear them laugh.”

For Arnold, the visits are a valuable opportunity to stay in touch with his audience. As much as the students may take away from his visit, he cherishes the experience as well. And in some instances, the benefits are tangible.

He said one particular visit several years ago yielded a book idea, which generated a series of 15 books.

Arnold, a former textbook illustrator and graphic designer, got into children’s literature back in the ‘80s. He published his first book—the aforementioned No Jumping on the Bed!, inspired by his at-the-time young son, Walter—in 1987 (“after six years of getting rejections,” Arnold said).

He’s since written—and in most cases, also illustrated—more than 75 children’s books.

For more information and to see a list of all his books, visit his website.