Author and former first grade teacher Jim Aylesworth reads one of the 34 books he has written to students at May Whitney Elementary School in Lake Zurich on Thursday. Steve Lundy/slundy@dailyherald.com

  Author Jim Aylesworth talks with fifth-grader Jack Murray during an assembly at May Whitney Elementary School in Lake Zurich Thursday. Aylesworth has written 34 picture books for children. Steve Lundy/slundy@dailyherald.com