Mr. Cole grew up in Loudon County, Virginia on a dairy farm. He taught school for some years before becoming an illustrator and author. His presentation to the primary students included a story of receiving his first sketchpad at the age of six and drawing the same picture of the Statue of Liberty over and over again. He also told upper grade students of how many times he had to rewrite his chapter book, A Nest for Celeste, over twenty times! Both stories illustrate an important lesson for students: repetition and practice are the key to success. Seatack Elementary fourth grader, Jasmine D. said, “Well, he inspired me to write my own books and be my own illustrator.”
But Mr. Cole didn’t just tell hilarious stories about his life and his art; he showed the students how he created that art. Mr. Cole played different music and drew on a large white sheet of paper to show the kids how listening to music can influence your art.
Henry Cole put a show that will stick with these students for a long time. In the words of one Point O’View fifth grader, “That was the best assembly EVER!”