Pizza and Taco author visits Baker & Streams

The author visit was coordinated by Baker and Streams librarians Linda Connor and Stephanie Kellner, respectively. Mr. Shaskan spent the morning at Streams and the afternoon at Baker.

“He gave two very energetic and engaging presentations to K-2 and then 3-4 graders at both schools,” Mrs. Kellner said. “The great folks in our tech department set up streaming so that our AM and PM kindergarteners could all take part!”

Mr. Shaskan was a big hit with the elementary students as they learned how their favorite characters are created.

“The students loved watching Stephen draw Pizza and Taco and explain how he used computers to create the characters,” Mrs. Connor said. “They also had a great time singing and dancing to ‘The Best Friend Dance’.”

Mr. Shaskan has written and illustrated nearly 20 children’s books. He holds a BFA in illustration from Rhode Island School of Design, and worked with kids for 20 years as an early childhood educator and after-school and summer art teacher.

“Stephen Shaskan was a great choice because the Pizza and Taco books are very popular in our schools,” Mrs. Connor said. “The books are engaging and funny, and the students were very interested to know more about his inspiration and drawing process.”

The event was made possible through funds from the Streams PTO and Baker PTA, as well as a collaboration with Avonworth Elementary. 

Mrs. Connor sees these events as an important opportunity to help even the most reluctant reader make a connection with books. 

“Students were able to learn about Stephen's own reading challenges and how he learned to read what he loved and improve his drawing skills,” she said. “Having a beloved author draw, tell stories, sing and play his ukelele was entertaining and fun for all the kids K-4 and provided an opportunity to make a joyful book memory that students will remember.”

For more information about Mr. Shaskan, visit stephenshaskan.com.