by Katelyn Dotson, Guest Writer
On February 28th of 2022, John Becker arrived at Frazeysburg Elementary School to speak to children about the many children’s books he has written. He spoke about the steps to composing a good story that will intrigue your readers. He also read sections of his books to the children. During the event, he answered questions the students had about his books. He also signed copies of his books for kids to take home. Frazeysburg Elementary is one of the many schools he has visited. He has traveled to schools from all over the country informing kids about his books, the process of writing, and much more.
As a child, John Becker read a lot of fiction books where adventures took place. This is where much of his writing style originates. When he got older, he attended Ohio University and taught at an elementary school located in Pontiac, Michigan. He also taught literature classes as a college professor at Macalester College. A few years later, in 1978, he worked a job at the Columbus Zoo in Ohio. He contributed to the zoo in many ways including writing a newsletter that featured the zoo and talking about his experiences with the many animals that resided there. His exposure to the many fascinating creatures at his workplace inspired him to write about these animals in his books. He even travels to far away destinations to spark ideas for his writing.
In his career, he has written 28 children’s books that can be purchased online or in bookstores. These books include Maggie the Talented Mouse, which follows a mouse named Maggie whose teacher asks her to demonstrate a special talent that she has, and she believes that she possesses no talent whatsoever. She decides to go on a journey seeking animals that can teach her a special talent, the results showing her that she has a talent that is special in its own way. Another book that can be purchased online is Frenemies for Life, taking place at the Columbus Zoo, and following two shepherd dogs. They wish to rescue these majestic animals from their natural habitats. Both of these exciting stories and many more can be purchased online.
Visit johnbeckerauthor.com to learn more.
