The grade 6 students of North and South Esk Elementary were presented with  a unique challenge this year.  They were asked to create their own book from start to finish, using an online publishing network which would allow them to become both author and artist.  NSEE received an ArtsSmarts grant which gave 30 students the resources to have a local artist visit, purchase art supplies, have access to their own laptop and ultimately produce a published book.  The students used the online publishing platform Tikatok, which allowed the students to write, illustrate, format and edit their piece of children’s literature.  The students recently celebrated their published work by having every NSEE student visit the library and take part in a scavenger hunt and complete various activities that went along with the themes of their books. Some students even dressed up as their main characters to entertain the visitors. Parents and family members also came out in the evening to celebrate their young artistic authors.  Students were able to take home two copies of their published, hard-cover book and donate a third copy to the school library for other students in the school to enjoy for years to come. In the future NSEE hopes to offer this same opportunity to all of their grade 6 classes before they move on to the High School.   “I never would have imagined writing and publishing my very own complete book at this age.  It was amazing.” Courtney Johnston (Grade 6 student) “I thought the program was a great experience because it combined the fun of art and the challenge of writing a book all in one.” Ryan Scott (Grade 6 student)