A Day with an Author/Illustrator
What if a box turtle was born without a shell? What should it do? Why, wear a box, of course! Thus
begins the story The Box Turtle, written and illustrated by Vanessa Roeder. Roeder, a native of Texas,
spent the day with Freeman elementary students. She not only shared the background of her published
books, she explained the long process of writing, editing, and revising before a final product is accepted
for publishing. Especially fascinating was seeing her art work and hearing the process she uses to create
her art and illustrations. Roeder uses a mixture of painting, collage, and digital mediums. The students
were full of questions and enjoyed the interaction with a real author and illustrator.
We are thankful for the generosity of the Hevelone Foundation and their grant which paid the fees for
Roeder’s day at Freeman. We also appreciate the Freeman PTO’s help in paying additional expenses for
the visit.