Peter and Amy Go On a Picnic

This is an original story inspired by Ezra Jack Keats' stories featuring Peter, one of the first African-American characters in picture books. These Peter stories include classics such as "Peter's Chair," "A Letter to Amy," "Goggles," and, "Whistle for Willie," and "The Snowy Day." PS 347's Kindergarten students dictated the story after reading many of Keats' books, examining his collage artwork, and discussing Peter's character traits during library class. The facilitator for the story writing project was Library Media Specialist Sara Lissa Paulson. Kindergarten teacher Michelle Mayhood added direction and support. Co-teacher teacher Darren Fudenske coached the students (the majority of whom use American Sign Language as their home language) to present the story in ASL. Dave Bowell, current principal of PS 347 The ASL and English Lower School, actively supports the library's digital book publishing efforts, as well as the school's ASL-English dual language program. Our school is located in New York City.