The ever popular Lower School Author Series continues in Virtual Poly, inspiring literacy and connecting with young readers in their homes.

After a digital visit by Hannah Salyer, who shared her debut picture book, Packs, for Nursery, Pre-K, and Kindergarten on May 12, Mac Barnett read from his new book, Paolo Emperor of Rome, on May 19.

Grades 1 and 2 enjoyed the exploits of Paolo, who is a dachshund, and Lower School librarian Kristen Robb said many of the students in turn introduced their pets to Barnett after he read his book. “The kids told Mac how much they loved his books (he has 44!),” Robb said. “One child told Mac he was writing his own story, Baby Spy, and is using Mac’s book Kid Spy as inspiration.” Robb said she and all the kids “wore hats during the Virtual Author Visit because Mac has a show on Instagram Live, Mac’s Book Club Show, and he encourages ‘club members’ to wear hats.”

Once students are able to return to the Park Slope campus, the children, who were at each visit will receive a signed copy of the book, thanks to the incredible generosity of the Parents’ Association.