Award-winning author and photographer David FitzSimmons captivated a crowd of children with his storytelling and puppets at Discovery School on Wednesday evening.
The former high school English teacher is a professor at Ashland University, holds a Ph.D. in English from The Ohio State University, and is respected and sought-after professional photographer. His “Curious Critters” series of books combine those talents and his passion for naturalism in children’s books that are as fun to read as they are educational.
The program Thursday evening was participatory in nature, the children volunteered as puppeteers, jumped up and down like frogs, and even “played possum” sprawled on the ground, all the while learning about animals that are indigenous to the United States.
Part of what makes FitzSimmons work unique is that other children’s books about animals tend to focus on exotic animals in other countries, but “Curious Critters” books focus on animals that are “in our own backyard,” depending on where your yard is. The average Ohioan isn’t likely to find an alligator in their yard, but in Florida, it is a possibility.
The photography in the book was shot against white backgrounds and each photograph shows the animal or insect in it’s entirety, but the books are more than pretty pictures, the story is equal parts fun and informative.
An excerpt from the book tells about the proud papa Northern cardinal, who explains how he and his “crested cutie” built their nest:“As I flew in with twigs, then leaves, then grapevine bark, and, finally, grass and pine needles, my singing sweetie put our cup-shaped nest together.
“Then, after laying three eggs, my orange-beaked beauty began sitting on our eggs while I brought her seeds to eat. A dozen days later, our hatchlings pecked their way out. They looked so cute!”
After the reading FitzSimmons held a book signing. With each signature he included the dedication, “Stay curious,” and he encouraged the children to do so.
Discovery School started as an independent academy for children in preschool through 6th grade, was incorporated in July, 1975, was approved in August 1975, and was chartered by the State Department of Education on December 12, 1977.
Discovery School started its residency by leasing the basement of the newly constructed Rehabilitation Center on Sterkel Blvd. Due to increased enrollment, it became necessary to consider relocating. With the generous donation of land by the Black family and various
fundraising efforts, the little school in the woods was built in 1976 and opened its doors in 1977 to 50 students.
Today, Discovery School serves children from preschool through eighth grade.
