Shown in the photo, prior to the Author Illustrator Night hosted by Babylon Memorial Grade School, kindergarten students in Jennifer Monteleone's and Kathy Reynolds' class at Babylon Elementary School were treated to a visit from children's author Francine Poppo Rich. In the Babylon Village School District, reading isn't something that is just a part of literacy lessons. Instead, it is something that permeates students' daily activities, both in and out of the classroom. In an effort to enhance their students' love for the written word and as a kickoff to their participation in the P.A.R.P. program, Babylon Memorial Grade School recently hosted an Author Illustrator Night for students in grades K-6.

The program, which showcased more than 25 local Long Island authors, was attended by hundreds of Grade School and Babylon Elementary School students, parents, and family members.

Throughout the evening event, attendees had the chance to purchase books from the authors in attendance, have the books autographed, and speak candidly with the authors about their profession, including how they got started and how many books they have published.

Prior to the Author Illustrator Night, kindergarten students in Jennifer Monteleone's and Kathy Reynolds' class at the elementary school were treated to a preview of the life of an author when Francine Poppo Rich visited their class. Poppo Rich, who has published four children's stories, spoke with the students about how she gets the ideas for her books, showed them original copies of the artwork featured in the, and fielded a few questions from the young audience.

Shown in the photo, during Babylon Memorial Grade School's recent Author Illustrator Night, students in grades K-6 from the Grade School and Babylon Elementary School had the chance to meet with more than 25 local Long Island authors and purchase copies of their books.