Sentinel photo by SIERRA BOLGER
Author Kevin Lovegreen reads to a class at East Derry Elementary School on Tuesday.

LEWISTOWN — Young students across the Mifflin County School District are getting a chance to meet author Kevin Lovegreen this week as part of an effort to encourage reading and writing among elementary students.

Lovegreen began visits Monday at Indian Valley Elementary School and continued Tuesday at East Derry Elementary, where students participated in an hour-long presentation centered around his books and outdoor adventures.

Additional visits are scheduled throughout the week, including Lewistown Elementary on Wednesday, Lewistown Intermediate School on Thursday and Strodes Mills Elementary on Friday.

According to district librarian Angela Dolin, author visits are part of an ongoing initiative to help students connect with reading in meaningful ways.

“We invite authors to our schools as a continued effort to instill a love of reading and writing in our students,” Dolin said. “It shows them that authors are ‘real’ people with experiences that they may be able to relate to. It also creates a memory that may leave a lasting impression on many students.”

Born and raised in Minnesota, Lovegreen is known for his “Lucky Luke’s Adventures” book series, which follows outdoor-themed hunting and fishing adventures designed for young readers.

According to organizers, Lovegreen’s presentations combine storytelling, outdoor education and interactive activities aimed at inspiring children to read, write and spend time outdoors.