Rosemary Wells, the prolific children’s book author, with an amazing 134 books to her credit, visited Stanwich School on Sunday.
Timed to coincide with the school’s book fair, Mrs. Wells read one of her stories to the children. In Max & Ruby’s Treasure Hunt, the story opens with a clap of thunder that drives the bunnies indoors, where their grandmother devises an ingenious plan for fun.
“There’s no TV or iPads,” Mrs. Wells told the Stanwich children, before reading the story in which Grandma organizes an indoor treasure hunt.
The book contained little envelopes taped to the book’s pages, each containing a clue. As the story progressed, Mrs. Wells invited one boy or girl at a time to pluck the clue from the envelope and ask the children to guess the answers.
Rosemary Wells visit to Stanwich School coincided with the school’s book fair and family day, Nov. 8, 2015 Credit: Leslie Yager
The visit kicked off with the children singing the Stanwich Seven, shorthand for the school’s motto, which refers to courage, wisdom, honesty, compassion, forgiveness, commitment and joy.
Throughout the day the celebration of books and activities encouraged young minds to “unplug.” Professional magician, Matias Letelier, demonstrated several tricks and even pulled a real rabbit from his hat.
While families perused hundreds of books organized by genre, there were opportunities so get some holiday shopping done, buy nibbles from the bake sale and visit friends.
At Stanwich School, professional magician Matias Letelier, surprised the children with an explosion of confetti, Nov. 8, 2015. Credit: Leslie Yager
Families had an opportunity to have Rosemary Wells sign her books, and the older children enjoyed a program on Wells’ studio and artistic process.
Mrs. Wells explained to the children that after years of hearing from readers curious about the whereabouts of Max and Ruby’s parents, she decided to have them appear in the next series.
“They will kiss Max and Ruby goodbye and put them on the school bus,” she said, adding that from there she stories will continue to focus on Max and Ruby. Otherwise, she said the stories would be about Max, Ruby and their parents.
Rosemary Wells poses with her fans at Stanwich School, Nov. 8, 2015
Roger, Cameron, Issy, Luciana, Rosemary Wells, and Caroline Paradiso. Credit: Leslie Yager
Adeline, Elin, Rosemary Wells, Caroline and Sean Collins. Credit: Leslie Yager
Evelyn, Nelson, Rosemary Wells, Alice and Elizabeth Fitts. Credit: Leslie Yager
Karen, Rosemary Wells, Holly, Charlotte and Andy Richard. Credit: Leslie Yager
Holly Richard holds the magician’s rabbit. Credit: Leslie Yager
At Stanwich School, professional magician, Matias Letelier, let the children meet his magic bunny. Credit: Leslie Yager
Children enjoyed the book fair, magician and visit from Rosemary Wells, children’s book author and illustrator who made Max and Ruby famous. Credit: Leslie Yager
Rosemary Wells with Elizabeth Fitts, who chaired the book fair, which is run by The Stanwich School’s Parent Association. Credit: Leslie Yager
Email news tips to Greenwich Free Press editor [email protected]
Like us on Facebook
Subscribe to the daily Greenwich Free Press newsletter.