MARMORA — Upper Township Primary School students were treated to a visit from one of their favorite authors March 11 when Beth Ferry spoke about her love of reading, writing and making children smile.
The author of 47 books such as “Stick and Stone,” “The Scarecrow” and “Swashby and the Sea” (the favorite of school librarian Tammy Davis), Ferry is a Jersey girl who lives in Wall Township, Monmouth County, and made the trip to speak to students.
“The drive is just so peaceful. You feel calmer and you don’t see any buildings,” Ferry said of Cape May County.
Davis arranged the visit, the school’s second annual, using proceeds from the book fair. One special aspect is that many of the students bought one of Ferry’s books — specially signed by the author — and were taking them home the same day.
Davis said she had met Ferry at a book festival and later spoke to her about visiting the school.
She said Ferry was really pleasant, talking to students about reading and writing but also her pets — two dogs, a guinea pig and two turtles. Davis said Ferry even mentioned reading her books to a giraffe and a sea lion, both animals featured in her books.
“It’s just an amazing experience for the kids,” Davis said.
“She was so engaging with the kids. She showed us where she got ideas, she really tried to teach them about the writing process,” kindergarten teacher Michelle Inserra said. “I find as an adult that the books touch you in different ways than they touch the kids. I love stories that tug at your heartstrings.”
Students, teachers and staff members went all out to welcome Ferry. Inserra said students from every grade, led by art teacher Megan Psensky, participated in creating art based on Ferry’s book “Swashby and the Sea.”
Teachers from each grade used the art work to decorate the hallways and music room where the presentation was held.
Teacher Grace Steele, a lieutenant with the Upper Township Beach Patrol, arranged for Chief Bill Handley to provide a lifeboat for the display.
Ferry said visiting schools is her favorite part of being a children’s author.
“You write so solitary, reading it out loud to yourself and your dog. You don’t really get a chance to read to kids unless you do school visits,” she said. “When I first started, I didn’t even know school visits was a thing and now it’s one of my favorite things.”
She was amazed when she saw the displays.
“This is beyond,” Ferry said. “The kids have been reading the books and all of the teachers are involved and the art teacher and librarian. The kids are so prepared. It’s the best that it can possibly be because they know your books, they’re interested in what you have to say.”
Ferry said only twice before had she been treated to such a terrific welcome.
“When I walked in, I wanted to walk back out and do it again,” Ferry said. “That’s something that you can’t ever expect and it’s the best possible day. It’s a gift and you never forget it.”
Davis said students were familiar with Ferry’s books from their own reading but the school prepared them for the visit.
“We’ve been focused on reading her books for the past month and they knew what she was talking about when she put something up on the presentation,” she said.
Ferry also enjoyed that aspect of the visit.
“They have heard of you and hopefully enjoyed your books. When they’re walking out and you have all of them wanting to hug you, there’s no way to describe that,” Ferry said. “Because they read your book, they think they know you. How amazing is that?”
– STORY and PHOTOS by CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff