Penn Manor middle school students were fortunate to have the distinguished book illustrator and author, Elizabeth Zunon, visit all day May 22 and 23, thanks to a PMEF Venture Grant.

Zunon talked about the elaborate process of creating illustrations for children’s books, her background growing up in Africa and her career ups and downs. Her illustrations incorporate a variety of elements, including fabrics and photographs, along with painting and drawing.

She has illustrated the books “Martha and the Slave Catchers,” “One Plastic Bag” and “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind.” Just days before her visit to Penn Manor, “Grandpa Cacao,” the first book that Zunon illustrated and wrote, was released.

She had a Q&A with students over lunch and then led them in an activity in which they created earrings, purses, bracelets and other items from scraps of plastic — just like the characters in “One Plastic Bag.”

It was a great couple of days, made possible by our generous donors!

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