Roseanne PArry’s Visit to Central Oregon

Last spring, Sisters Festival of Books sponsored acclaimed middle grade author Roseanne Parry’s visit to Central Oregon and presentations at Sisters Elementary School and Vern Patrick Elementary in Redmond. Parry’s books, including A Wolf Called Wander, A Whale of the Wild and A Horse Called Sky, highlight the social patterns and challenges faced by animals living in the Western United States. 

Parry’s presentation to grades K - 2 focused on her most recent illustrated picture book, The Wolf Effect, which tells the story of the re-introduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park and their role in the region's ecosystem. The story offered a seamless segue into discussions about developing personal artistic expression and how Parry’s passion for protecting the environment has inspired her career as an author. Students even had the opportunity to ‘howl along’ at various points throughout Parry’s read aloud. While presenting to the upper elementary grades, Parry emphasized the similarities between human communities and animal packs and discussed the rigorous research she undertakes while writing her books. Parry also explained her story mapping processes and stressed the utility of being able to express oneself through writing.

Following each presentation Rosanne Parry was met by a wave of student questions ranging from how long Parry spends on writing each book to curiosities about specific animal behaviors. At the conclusion of each visit, Parry invited students to write her letters with any additional questions or book ideas of their own.