Here you will find the first round of testimonials for the action packed story The Eye of the Storm. Hutchinson and Seton teamed up to bridge the gap between picture books and straight prose books. The results were beyond expectation.
"Our goal was to create deep and lasting lessons for children that will carry them into their adult lives," says Hutchinson. "Difficult-to-understand concepts such as Self-Esteem, Teamwork, Responsibility...etc. are best delivered in a story format so children can then see those important attributes in action."
Hutchinson says credit for the positive affect on the students should go to Kim Johnston. She delivered this story to her grade six class with enthusiasm and energy (as is noted by some of the kids in the letters).
She then asked her class if they wanted write to the author and illustrator on what they thought of the story. They also chose to make thumbnail sketches of their interpretation of the chapters. All of this engaged them in a way that reinforced the messages of the story.
It is important to say here that these children were not graded on this. It was not an assignment. They took on this project with enthusiasm and joy; outside of their regular class responsibilities.
Hutchinson and Seton have been working with children for many years—Hutchinson in the martial arts and Seton in the visual arts—and their experience shows. The letters written by the children show clearly that they have struck a cord and moved them in a positive way.
Hutchinson and Seton, too, have been inspired by the results. They are currently in the early stages of putting together a package that teachers can use in their classrooms as a tool to help children understand and raise their self-esteem.
Scan through the many letters from these children and see for yourself. How important are these lessons for children?
"We will be working with teachers to develop products and procedures that inspire independent thinking and action and encourage children to make decisions that better their lives. We will emphasize the importance of high Self-Esteem, Confidence, Teamwork and other important attributes that can arm children for a successful future," says Hutchinson.
