Author Visit

Today, the Owls had an extra special visitor by the name of Zachariah OHora.  Friends were very excited because Zachariah writes and illustrates "OWL-tastic" Early Childhood books! 

Zachariah told us that he lives in an area called Narbeth, and he even drew us a map of his neighborhood! 

Next, he told friends that he often writes his stories in his Pajamas because his office because it is in the attic of his house.  So he wakes up, gets a BIG cup of coffee and heads upstairs to work. The Owls found this to be very silly! Some friends wished that when they grow up they could wear their pajamas to work!  

After we learned all about Zachariah, his family and even his two silly cats, he read us three of his stories. The first book he read to us was called "No Fits Nilson." Zachariah told friends that he wrote this story about his son Oscar. Ask your Owl if they remember what happened to the Gorilla, named Nilson, at the end of the book. 

The second story was called "My Cousin Momo." Friends found this story to be very silly because the main character was a flying squirrel, who at one point dressed up as a muffin! 

The third story that friends were able to listen to was called "Wolfie the Bunny." Ask your Owl if they remember what this story is about! 

After "Wolfie the Bunny," Zachariah asked friends if they would be interested in hearing his brand new story that has not even come out yet, since they were such a good audience! Friends were very excited because they were the only class at AFS to hear his new story. The book was called "The Not So Quiet Library." The Owls enjoyed this book so much that they gave it two thumbs up! 

After the books, Zachariah taught friends how he drew some of the characters from his story. Friends wrapped up their fantastic visit with questions for Zachariah. Here are the questions friends had for him. 

Are you both the Author and Illustrator? 

Yes!

How many books have you wrote?

Four

Are the books you write non-fiction?

All my stories are fiction

Do your books have real pictures of drawings?

I draw all the pictures in my books

Does your mom like reading your books?

Yes! My mom loves me stories!

How did you become an author?

I became an author because I read lots and lots of books and I LOVED to draw. So if you like to read and like to draw you should be an author!

How did you write the book and how did you think of the words?

I just draw pictures and then I write my stories based off of what is happening in my drawings. I also like to write stories about people and places I know.

What is your favorite book?

Gaston  by Kelly DiPucchio

What is your favorite thing to write about?

Cute animals that like to get angry!

How old are you?

42. My birthday is November 17

How old were you when you became an author?

I wrote my first book in 2011 so I was 38

Any tips for when we write our own books?

Practice, Practice, Practice and do not get frustrated!