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Everyone is a writer: a visit with author Alyssa Satin Capucilli

hands up if you are a reader

“Who here is a reader?” author Alyssa Satin Capucilli asked the class. Every hand shot up. “Who here is also a writer?” The room was a sea of waving hands.

The author visit was an exciting enrichment to Seely Place Elementary’s robust literacy program, reinforcing the message that reading and writing are paths to adventure, self-expression and enjoyment. 

reading Biscuit

Capucilli met with grades K-3, and nearly every student was familiar with her series featuring the everyday adventures of a small, yellow puppy named Biscuit. She told them that Biscuit would be 30 years old now, or 210 in dog years! 

The author read one of her books to the students, then she took them behind the scenes. 

“Biscuit is a true story, sort of,” Capucilli said. They learned how her daughter’s dog sitting experiences inspired the first Biscuit book, and they saw a photo of Huckleberry, her family dog. 

Students also learned about the writing life. 

“Every day is a writing day,” said Capucilli. She told the students that she loves to start her day with a walk, and things she sees or hears on her walk are often incorporated into her writing. “Writers are observers."

Each session included time for students to share their thoughts with the author. They had a lot to say about their own pets and what they were writing about in class. 

“I would like to read your stories someday,” said Capucilli.