Brian Lies Visits Brimhall!

Today we had Brian Lies, author and illustrator, visit Brimhall.  It was a very exciting presentation.  He was able to hold the interest of the children for almost an hour with all of his information. 

Ms. Z introducing Brian Lies

He told us about how bats are not really his favorite animal.  He also talked about how he got his ideas to write about books.

He read us his most recent book, Bats in the Band.  He almost had it memorized!

He explained to us that writers are not always born with that as their talent, but it is something he had to work hard at developing.  He told us about his writing process.  

He showed us how he sketches his pictures.  He was not always a good drawer but he had to work hard to become better.  He told us, "Practice makes BETTER!"

He showed us his illustrations and writings from when he was in second grade.  It was a small, short story and the illustrations were not very detailed.  He encouraged the students to add detail to their writing and illustrations.

He did a quick sketch for us at the end.  He asked students to give him ideas of what he should sketch and then, right be fore our eyes he drew!  It was amazing!

At the very end he encouraged us to be readers!

Here is his sketch! A bat eating popcorn on a swing at the State Fair!