Author Peter Catalanotto visited Park Avenue Memorial Elementary School on June 13 to share his expertise as both a writer and illustrator.

Mr. Catalanotto spoke to students about how he generates ideas for stories. When he first became a professional writer, he remembered advice from his elementary school teachers: write about something you know about or care about. That led to his first book, “Dylan’s Day Out,” inspired by his dog.

“Writing is about exploring ideas and finding your best idea,” he said in telling students that brainstorming is an integral part of the process.

He talked about how he was an illustrator for other authors before publishing his own books. Students excitedly watched as Mr. Catalanotto drew a face, demonstrating and explaining the steps he takes to created detailed facial features.

The author visit was sponsored by the Amityville Parent Teacher Council and organized by Library Media Specialist Timothy Quinn. The goal was to get students excited about reading before summer break, and staff from the Amityville Public Library also visited to talk about summer reading programs for children and teens. The school also hosted a book fair in the days prior to Mr. Catalanotto’s visit.