The creativity of two students at Old Union Elementary isbrnow in print for all to enjoy. Lydia Amstutz and Mateo Gutierrez, both agebrseven, wrote and illustrated the book, Mr. Pig and The Turkey On The Road. The two, who are students in LaurabrHudgeons’ second-grade English class, were inspired after hearing a story aboutbra Dr. Smart Pig.
From there, the students' creativity took off. That's whatbrHudgeons, who has taught in Carroll ISD for 21 years, enjoys most aboutbrteaching young writers. “They have such enthusiasm and great imaginations,” shebrsays.
The book is based on Mr. Pig and his adventures. In thebrdebut book, Mr. Pig flies to London. The students have plans to create anbrentire series, with the next book, ThebrHistory of Mr. Pig's Family, already underway. Additionally, Gutierrez hasbrwritten a Halloween-themed edition, Mr.brPig and Porkenstein. He’s the main author and contributed some illustrations,brand Amstutz is the main illustrator.
After the students shared the book with their class, familybrmembers took it to the next level. Amstutz's mother made several copies for thebrschool, and the child's grandmother obtained the ISBN number to have the bookbrpublished. It's available on Amazon in both English and bilingual (English andbrSpanish) versions. Gutierrez's mother helped produce the Spanish version, Señor Cerdito.
“They wrote an incredibly bright story,” Hudgeons says.br“I'm fortunate to have them in my class. It has been a highlight of my career,brand I cannot wait to see where it goes from here.”
Southlake Styleasked the students about the journey and their future aspirations. Here’s whatbrthey had to say.
Southlake Style: What do you want to bebrwhen you grow up?
Amstutz: I’mbrnot sure but I do play softball, and I love to illustrate children’s books.
Gutierrez: Ibrwant to be an author or a scientist.
SS: What was it like working together onbrthe book?
Amstutz: Ibrfelt funny working with a boy at first. And I felt good when my grandmabrpublished it.
Gutierrez: Itbrwas great. Starting to make Mr. Pig made Lydia and I friends.
SS: How does it feel to be a publishedbrauthor?
Amstutz:brAwesome!
Gutierrez: Itbrwas really exciting to have it published. Our teacher Mrs. Hudgeons thought webrshould publish it, so she inspired us to do it!
SS: What did you enjoy most aboutbrcreating the book?
Amstutz: Whenbrwe came up with the idea of Mr. Pig (Albert Einstein Pig). And drawing thebrpictures.
Gutierrez: Ibrenjoyed lots of other people reading and liking Mr. Pig! Our class enjoyed itbrtoo!
SS: What would you say to other kids whobrare interesting in writing or drawing?
Amstutz: Gobrfor it! Don’t be afraid. Believe in yourself!
Gutierrez: Neverbrstop reading! If you want to write a book, read lots. Reading books from otherbrauthors can inspire you to write your own!
SS: Anything else you’d like to say?
Gutierrez:brWriting is so much fun but it takes work to do it.