Award-winning and critically acclaimed children’s picture book authors and illustrators Jeannette and Christopher Canyon visited Robert Louis Stevenson Elementary School Friday, September 26.  The RLS PTO sponsored the visit. 

According to Media Specialist Kristi Jump, “The Canyons were selected for our author visit because they encompass music and art within their presentations.  They are both illustrators with two very different styles.” 

Mrs. Canyon received her BFA from the Columbus College of Art & Design. She was an arts educator at the Columbus School for Girls, as well as a professional presenter for many years before beginning her career as a creator of children’s books.  Jeannette’s colorful and textural picture book illustrations are uniquely created from relief sculptures made with polymer clay.

Mr. Canyon is an accomplished illustrator, singer, guitarist, and performer.  He has illustrated many children’s book including picture book adaptions of several classic songs by the late singer-songwriter, John Denver.  Mr. Canyon teaches Children’s Picture Book Illustration at the Columbus College of Art & Design.

Author and illustrator visits incorporate many different aspects of the Ohio’s New Learning Standards including portraying reading and writing for lifelong enjoyment and include a variety of writing styles including informal/formal, personal/narrative, fiction/non fiction, characters, setting, plot, and details.  

Students in Kindergarten through Grade 3 read and studied the Canyons’ books in preparation for their visit.  As well, Brian Petit, RLS music teacher, incorporated John Denver’s music, lyrics, love of nature, and singing ability into his music curriculum complementing cross-curriculum efforts. 

(Biographical information source: http://www.jeanetteandchristophercanyon.com)

Pictured from left: Dr. Jamie Lusher, Chief Academic Officer; Dot Kiel, former PTO President and RLS Parent; Jeannette Canyon; Christopher Canyon; Kristi Jump, RLS Media Specialist; and Andy Culp, Superintendent.

Christopher Canyon is pictured singing to students.