On Friday March 27, Seymour Elementary students were enraptured by the storytelling of children's book author Dan Bar-El.

During the 45 minute sessions, Seymour classes were enchanted by a very VERY energetic Bar-El who used a dozen different voices and a dynamic slide-show with cute illustrations to capture the imagination of the students.

"We really wanted the kids to come face to face with the author of a book they see in the library," said Diane Shepherd-Dynes, one of the event's organizers and the school's teacher-librarian. "We want them to see that he is just like them and we want him to engage and excite the students."

The students were riveted as Bar-El told the story of the child prince Maximilian, the main character of his book "9 Words Max". The author reading was part of a bigger school-wide event called Camp Read developed by a team of teachers including Shepherd-Dynes, Lisa Joe, Carrie Gelson and Atsuko Ishihara.

During Camp Read, students participated in buddy reading around intricate "paper fires" and "tents" constructed in the school library and practiced reading aloud and oral storytelling. Meanwhile, school principal Bruce Murton and Office Assistant Sally Walter toured classrooms to read aloud.

"We want to celebrate and support school literacy and celebrate all the good things happening at our school," said Shepherd-Dynes.

The day ended with an announcement of the school's Book Contest Winners and popcorn for all.