Children's author uses furry friends to promote reading at P.C. Elementary

By Staff
Melissa Cason, Franklin County Times
PHIL CAMPBELL – A children's book author from Arkansas visited Phil Campbell Elementary School to help young students develop a passion for reading early.
David M. Sargent, Jr. from Fayetteville, Ark. travels to different elementary schools across the nation with his furry friends, Emma, Spike, Daphne and Tatum.
Sargent has written 37 children's books and visits schools across the country promoting reading as a fun activity to children through his dogs.
"I started writing and touring schools about 12 years ago," Sargent said. "We [he and the dogs] really enjoy ourselves."
During the assembly, Sargent talked about several of this books based on his dogs. After reading the books to the students, the students got to meet the dog the books was about.
In addition to reading these books to the students at the assembly, school librarian, Sissy Moore and other teachers have been reading the books to the students in preparation for Sargent's visit.
"We have been talking about the books and the dogs in class for a couple of weeks," Moore said.
After the assembly, Sargent set up a table in the library in case any of the students wished to purchase any of his books.
"We have several parents who sent money for their children to buy some of his books," Moore said.
Sargent's visit is one activity planned in conjunction with the National Education Association's Read Across America and Dr. Suess' birthday, this Friday.