With brick walls barely able to contain the children’s laughter, the students of George C. Baker Elementary School were introduced to the slapstick humor of children’s book author Kevin O’Malley on Dec. 3 as part of the school’s annual Author’s Day.
Beginning with the third grade early that morning, students laughed out loud as O’Malley kicked off his presentation with a classic disappearing quarter magic trick, but with his own humorous spin.
“I do stand up comedy for children,” O’Malley said. “I like making them laugh.”
However, beneath the humor and hysterics are also some very inspiring messages for these younger generations, according to O’Malley. He added that his goal is to help encourage students to write or read. Describing himself as a shy child, O’Malley said his presentation is aimed to help reassure shy students in their interest.
Using experiences from his own life as anecdotes, O’Malley talked about his time in high school art class with students who seemed to have more artistic talent than he, or his time as an adult when publishers rejected his work.
“I was rejected over 100 times,” O’Malley said. “I kept every letter, because I’m bitter and vindictive.”
As he kept his humor throughout the entire presentation, he also spoke to the students about the importance of finding something they are passionate about.
“Your job is to find something you love to do,” O’Malley said.
O’Malley added that regardless of how many rejection letters he received, he currently has more than 75 books published.
“I write every day and draw every day,” O’Malley said. “ Practice makes perfect.”
Poking fun of his illustrations throughout his presentation, O’Malley walked the students through an impromptu story line by providing his own spin to the story of “Aladdin” with the help of the students.
Through O’Malley and the students’ progression, Aladdin was changed into Ellen, a financially disadvantage girl living in Moorestown, and the villain turned into Jenni-Far, a senior woman who aspires to attain the magic lamp from the “Cave of Wonders,” located in Passariello’s Pizzeria & Italian Eatery.
In addition, O’Malley also told of his experiences as a stay-at-home father while his son was an infant and the challenges it provided during the story writing process, a part in which third grader Sara Wantrobski found particularly entertaining.
“My favorite was when he told the part about the little boy,” she said.
In addition, third grader Madeline Woltjen recalled the first book she had ever read by O’Malley, entitled “Dad’s Bald Head.” Since she had read it some time ago, she cannot remember much of the story, but said she remembered it being really funny.
Baker Elementary librarian Ann Ferruggia said all the students had recently started learning about O’Malley as part of the school’s annual Author’s Day, which she has organized every year since she has been a librarian.
“The books are very popular,” she said, attributing the books’ popularity to the same humor delivered during the presentation. “Author’s Day is always a big thing at Baker school.”
Past authors who have visited the school include Barbara McClintock and Tedd Arnold.
Ferruggia added that messages of perseverance and creativity proved to be standout points during the presentation.
“I hope their creativity was sparked by the way he takes a story and changes it,” she said.
While residing in Baltimore, O’Malley previously lived in Philadelphia and travels nationally to present to schools. He estimated that he travels to 70 schools per year and has even traveled to Japan. In addition, he is planning to visit China in the near future.
For a complete list of O’Malley’s works, visit www.booksbyomalley.com.
