Local author Luke Flowers visited D49’s Academy for Literacy, Learning & Innovation Excellence (ALLIES) campus May 11 to tell some young learners all about his passion for writing and illustrating children’s books.

Abbie Kennedy, an ALLIES reading professor, invited Mr. Flowers to present to students as part of a mini-grant awarded by the Falcon Education Foundation. Guest teaching is one of Mr. Flower’s many creative outlets.

“It's something I enjoy doing while I’m not illustrating children’s books,” Flowers said. “It’s the thing that inspires me while I am not working. It reminds me why I do what I do.” 

Flowers has illustrated more than 60 children's books, including his Moby Shinobi series and the New York Times Best-seller “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” poems by Fred Rogers. 

His presentation included a short puppet show featuring Moby Shinobi, a young ninja character created by Flowers. Mr. Flowers also collaborated with students to come up with a story theme and create artwork to go along with their story idea. 

“I hope they walk away with a love for reading and they kind of stick with it,” Mr. Flowers said. “My presentations are about reminding everybody that creativity is something everybody can be a part of whether it’s drawing, or writing, or through science. It’s whatever you find to be creative with.”