.png){kind=tracking}
Children's Book Illustrator Matthew Cordell Visits LFCDS
“What is your favorite animal?” The voice is direct but warm, the kind of tone that welcomes any honest answer. “A lynx!” shouts an animated third-grade student whose response is anything but insincere. "Okay, a lynx it is,” answers the man with a smile. “And what do your moms or dads do for a living?” This time he addresses the entire class with the same gentle inquiry. “A real-estate agent!” screams a boy in the front row. “Alright, I am going to draw a lynx selling houses as my character for you all,” states the man with the sharpie. In a relaxed motion reflecting all the signs of experience and steadiness, the man methodically draws a pointy-eared cat standing straight with a “sold” sign grasped in his paws. The artist turns to the class who collectively nod in satisfaction and awe at the magical transformation of blank canvas into feline saleswoman. Then comes the introduction: “My name is Matthew Cordell, and I am a professional illustrator.”
“What is your favorite animal?” The voice is direct but warm, the kind of tone that welcomes any honest answer. “A lynx!” shouts an animated third-grade student whose response is anything but insincere. "Okay, a lynx it is,” answers the man with a smile. “And what do your moms or dads do for a living?” This time he addresses the entire class with the same gentle inquiry. “A real-estate agent!” screams a boy in the front row. “Alright, I am going to draw a lynx selling houses as my character for you all,” states the man with the sharpie. In a relaxed motion reflecting all the signs of experience and steadiness, the man methodically draws a pointy-eared cat standing straight with a “sold” sign grasped in his paws. The artist turns to the class who collectively nod in satisfaction and awe at the magical transformation of blank canvas into feline saleswoman. Then comes the introduction: “My name is Matthew Cordell, and I am a professional illustrator.”
This scene was just one of many memorable impressions that Matthew Cordell, professional illustrator of over twenty books, left on the School on his scheduled visit to LFCDS on Tuesday morning. Beginning with a short introduction and followed by four separate presentations and book signings for students Grades 1 through 4, Mr. Cordell left many students creatively engaged and inspired by the day’s end. Packed rich with insights into the publishing business, career advice for pursuing artistic careers, behind-the-scenes photos of his illustrating workshop, in-depth descriptions of his creative process, and of course, pointers on how to draw plaid-clad alligator florists, Mr. Cordell’s presentation captivated the undivided attention and excitement of up to twenty young students at a time – a tough feat indeed.
Perhaps more impressive however is the story behind how and why Mr. Cordell agreed to come in to LFCDS in the first place. Flash back to four weeks ago when Cindy Edward’s third-grade class was reading Matthew Cordell books as a part of their literary unit study and you have the inception of what has become a friendly bond between famous illustrator and LFCDS. According to Mrs. Edwards, her class happened to be learning about the art of crafting friendly letters at the same time as the ongoing Cordell unit and she combined the two lessons by having her students write their own individual letters to Mr. Cordell. In the letters, each student expressed their particular interests, stated their favorite Cordell book and character, asked questions, and even drew their own character.
In commenting on these thoughtful letters, Matthew Cordell mentioned that the kids “put so much time and effort into learning about me that I wanted to return the favor.” His favor, you might ask? He sent back a signed personal character sketch for each kid along with a reply letter that directly addressed their questions, as well as a personal visit to the school. However, the visit and friendship never would have been possible without the initiative that Mrs. Edwards showed in trying to find new and exciting ways to supplement the classroom educational experience and enable transparency between the student world and outside, professional world in a safe and secure situation. Then again, who knows? Somewhere in that excited crowd of animated students could have been a future illustrator or writer-in-the-making.
A co-educational independent private school for students age 2 through Grade 8.
Graduating students of strong character with a passion for learning since 1888.
Schedule a tour!
Graduating students of strong character with a passion for learning since 1888.
Schedule a tour!
