'Stick Dog' author visits Forest View

It's amazing what can be learned by drawing a simple stick figure.

A lovable stick figure mutt named Stick Dog came to visit Forest View students on Monday, Nov. 9, thanks to author Tom Watson, who wrote a series of books featuring the canine.

Watson's stories about Stick Dog feature his funny, troublesome adventures with his friends Karen, Poo-poo (who, the author explains, is named for being a French poodle), Stripes, and Mutt, and almost always begin with their quest for food.

The author himself also started his day at Forest View with food, having a Q&A session over lunch with students. The children in attendance won a contest to attend this portion of the program. The author then presented at two general assemblies, one for students from grades K-2 and a second for grades 3-5, and closed the day with a family reading night at Forest View.

During Watson's visit, he talked to the children about the books, his writing process, how he came to be an author, and even gave Stick Dog drawing lessons. His presentations were interactive as he gave the students feedback on their drawings, allowed them to ask him questions, and even asked them for ideas on what food his assembly of canine characters should be in search of in his next book. Students answered - "Steak!" "Popcorn!" "Sushi!" "Cake!" "Toast!"

When one student said to him that he couldn't draw very well, Watson responded good-naturedly with, "It doesn't matter if you can draw well. Have you looked at my drawings?"

According to his website, Watson says, "The Stick Dog series encourages reading - by making kids laugh. There's more than just fun and adventure with Stick Dog and his crazy canine pals, however. Readers will also find advanced vocabulary, a distinct narrative voice and important lessons about friendship, trust, patience and inclusion."

• Submit 'Your News' at www.dailyherald.com/share.