Author of children’s books shares joy of reading

The Bigelow Corners Partnership and United Way of the Greater Capital Region hosted an early literacy event for 350 Schenectady children and their parents at Parsons Early Learning Center, 125 Bigelow Ave. on Thursday morning.
The One Neighborhood, On... — PHOTOGRAPHER: Marc Schultz

The Bigelow Corners Partnership and United Way of the Greater Capital Region hosted an early literacy event for 350 Schenectady children and their parents at Parsons Early Learning Center, 125 Bigelow Ave. on Thursday morning. The One Neighborhood, On...

“I’m a children’s book author. Who can tell me what an author is?” Ty Allan Jackson asked the group of excited 3- and 4-year-olds sitting cross-legged Thursday morning on a mat at Parsons Early Learning Center.

Several hands shot up.

“The author writes the papers,” one little girl answered.

“OK, I’ll take that,” he said, laughing.

The children soon found out this author not only writes things, but jokes around and likes to dance.

Jackson was at the center as part of a two-day One Neighborhood, One Book event hosted by The Bigelow Corners Partnership and the United Way of the Greater Capital Region. The aim was simple — to encourage a love of reading in both parents and children.

Kids were treated to a reading by the author and given a free copy of his book. Later, parents were invited to come to the center for lunch, interact with Jackson and learn how to sign up for a library card.

“My objective simply is to empower children with the value and the joy of reading, and as an author, it is my love and my privilege to be an inspiration for kids to read, because when they read, they succeed,” said Jackson, who lives in Massachusetts.

The book he chose to read Thursday was “When I Close my Eyes,” the story of a little girl whose imagination takes her far away when she closes her eyes. Before beginning, he asked the kids what imagination is.

“When you think you’re in a rainbow,” one little girl suggested.

“Imagination is all about rainbows and everything that’s in your mind,” Jackson agreed.

The children were attentive as he read the short story, which is written in rhyme and colorfully illustrated. As instructed, they shouted out the word “eyes,” each time Jackson pointed at the group.

“When I close my eyes, I’m so far away. In the middle of the jungle is where I love to play. I can hang around with a monkey and play cards with a cheetah, break-dance with a gorilla or put spots on a zebra,” he read, eliciting giggles.

After the final page was turned, the event took on the feel of a party.

“If you’re happy, stand up,” Jackson urged.

The song “Happy” by Pharrell Williams filled the room, and everyone began to dance. Jackson even got tentative grown-ups into the action.

When the song ended, each child eagerly accepted a copy of “When I Close my Eyes.”

“Reading to your kids, it’s bonding time and learning new words, and we are so excited that Ty was able to come. He’s so great with the kids,” said Jessica Underhill, director of community impact for the United Way of the Greater Capital Region. “Not only do they get a colorful, beautiful book, but they interact with an author who really can turn up the excitement.”

The author of three children’s books, Jackson was honored as the first recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr. Content of Character Award, and in 2012, he had the opportunity to present his books to first lady Michelle Obama.