Local teacher and illustrator shares latest work with students

Reading is fundamental, and the kids at Hillview Elementary got a head start on celebrating. Tomorrow is “Read Across America” day, popularly known as Dr. Seuss day.

They started their day with an assembly with a special reading of the book illustrated by one of their teachers. Sixth-grade teacher Andrew Weller is the illustrator of “The Unique You.” A book to teach kids how unique and beautiful their individuality is.

“The lady that wrote it is Sandra Baker, and she wanted to talk about children being unique. Here’s the dedication, but it talks about what each of the animals are and what they represent. For example, the zebra is black and white and he represents non-judgment, there’s also a duck. You let the water roll off of you if you’re a duck, because people say things. There’s a bear, and the bear is symbolic of being protective and helping one another. The giraffe has a higher perspective in life to look out for things. So there’s really a great message in here,” says Weller.

They expect to have the book available on Amazon and in local bookstores soon.