Hillcrest Elementary School students were recently encouraged to take inspiration from the world around them by Dave Sargent Jr., a children’s author from Fayetteville, Ark.
Sargent visited Hillcrest Oct. 21 and discussed his series of books, which are based on the real stories of his four dogs Emma, Tatum, Daphne and Spike.
“I want to encourage students to read and to write about their own lives,” Sargent said. “When (they) sit down to write, I want them to look around you for their characters. Imagination is important, but you can take inspiration from things you see every day.”
Both of Sargent’s parents were authors, and when his first book was published David decided to speak a local school about the process of becoming a published writer.
Now Sargent speaks to an average of 250 schools each year.
Much to the delight of the students, Sargent brings his furry friends him during his speeches.
Tatum performed a seesaw trick, Daphne ran through a tube, Emma sang for the students and Spike, despite being the oldest of Sargent’s dogs, was still able to perform a few dance moves.
“A lot of people, especially children, as always asking, “How did you become an author?” Sargent said. “We travel to schools because I want them to know they can do the same thing. You can write about anything in your life. I just happen to use my dogs.”
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