Aaron Slater, Illustrator
Author: Andrea Beaty
Illustrator: David Roberts
2 November 2021
Abrams Books for Young Readers
40 pages
Book description from Goodreads: “An uplifting story about the power of art, finding your voice, and telling your story even when you’re out of step with your peers from the #1 bestselling creators of Sofia Valdez, Future Prez and Ada Twist, Scientist!
Aaron Slater loves listening to stories and dreams of one day writing them himself. But when it comes to reading, the letters just look like squiggles to him, and it soon becomes clear he struggles more than his peers. When his teacher asks each child in the class to write a story, Aaron can’t get a single word down. He is sure his dream of being a storyteller is out of reach … until inspiration strikes, and Aaron finds a way to spin a tale in a way that is uniquely his.”
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Educational Activities inspired by Andrea Beaty’s Aaron Slater, Illustrator:
- Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover:
- Where and when do you think this story takes place?
- What do you already know about illustrators (or illustrating)?
- What do you think this story will be about?
- What emotion is being felt by the boy on the cover?
- Have you read any of the other books in the Questioneers series?
- After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story:
- What did you think when Aaron’s writing made words that were “just squiggles”?
- Try as he might, Aaron couldn’t make progress with writing. Have you ever struggled to learn something, too? How did that feel? What did you do?
- Why did Aaron try so hard just to blend in?
- What “tangle of feelings” did he have inside?
- What did YOU feel when Miss Greer knelt beside Aaron and said “Thank you!” for sharing his creative story?
- What do you think about this book using a typeface specially designed for people with dyslexia?
- Imagining–Use your imagination to fill in the blanks of the following three sentences:
- A question I’d like to ask the author is______________.
- One thing I’d change about this story is _____________.
- In a sequel to this book, Aaron Slater would be doing __________.
- Drawing–Since Aaron Slater drew his own story, let’s do the same. Using crayons, colored pencils, or paint, create your own “true story” about anything you want. Like Aaron, use visuals versus words to tell the story. When you’re finished, consider sharing it with a friend or family member.
- Crafting–Since Aaron Slater, Illustrator is all about making art, let’s look at some options to make fun artsy crafts! Try your hand at one or more of the following projects (use recyclable materials when you can). Get an adult to help, just to be on the safe side:
- Crocodile Paper Plate–Since OPB is based in Florida, we’ll pretend this is an alligator versus a crocodile. Regardless, it’s a fun craft!
- Dino Feet–Stomping is extra fun in these three-toed dino feet.
- Painted Ladybug Rocks–Oh, these are cute as can be.
- Pom Pom Chicks–Okay, these are pretty darn cute, too. Check out the googly eyes!
- Popsicle Stick Bumble Bees–These will surely get you buzzing.
- Further Reading–Want more picture books about art and art-making? Here you go! Which have you already read? (Click on any book cover for more information on these titles!)
