D.B. Johnson Inspires Mascoma's Read Across America Program

Through the Experiencing the Arts program, Mascoma Valley Regional High School enjoyed Read Across America Day on March 2nd with guest D.B. Johnson, writer and nationally acclaimed illustrator from Lebanon, NH. D.B. Johnson is perhaps best known for his recent series of four children's books on the life and philosophy of Henry David Thoreau: Henry Hikes to Fitchburg, Henry Builds a Cabin, Henry Climbs a Mountain, and Henry Works. All of these books are on display in the Mascoma library. Outside the door of the library was a Connecticut Valley Spectator article about him published just before the event.

For D.B. Johnson, the trip to Canaan was a trip back to his roots. Johnson spent his childhood in Canaan. Mascoma Librarian, Mary Swainbank arranged three sessions with Jonhson enabling about two hundred students an opportunity to interact with the writer/illustrator. These sessions covered different aspects of his work and that of the subject of Henry David Thoreau.

1) The first session from 9:00 - 10:00 AM was for students taking art. The session covered different art styles and the process of creating and producing a book for publication. Mr. Johnson shared many illustrations that he had done for publications covering a wide variety of topical issues. He also treated the group to a lesson in how to draw his bear character Henry.

2) The second session from 10:15 - 11:15 AM was for students taking American Literature and students who took Nature Writing last semester. The session covered Thoreau and civil disobedience, and how Johnson developed Henry Climbs a Mountain to teach Thoreau's philosophy. Before Johnson's visit, these students are preparing for this session by reading "Economy" from Walden and Civil Disobedience by Thoreau.

3) The third session from 12:39 - 1:40 PM was both for students who took Children's Literature Fall semester, as well as students who are taking it now. The session covered the different styles of development that Johnson used in the Henry books.

It was clear, Mascoma's Read Across America program was successful because of the thoughtful preparation by the students, teachers, D.B. Johnson and the organizer of the event Librarian, Mary Swainbank. D.B. Johnson had an excellent rapport with the students, his presentations were rich with content and well illustrated with slides that he had carefully arranged for each presentation.