FRONTENAC, Kan. — Frank Layden Elementary faculty and students highlighted the joy of writing Thursday during the 35th Annual Young Writers Conference.

During the conference, kindergarten through 5th grade students broke into small groups and read books they had written to each other.

“What I love about it is all the interesting writing you see from all the students and the illustrations,” Fourth Grade Teacher Tim Vesco said. “It’s a great chance for kids to be creative and share their talents.”

Vesco and Librarian Ann Brown were the two main organizers for the event this year. The duo brought in author Suzanna Lynn, a multi-genre writer and illustrator based outside of Springfield.

“Bringing in a guest author makes it real to them,” Vesco said. “They read tons of books, but seeing somebody that actually wrote the books, they see that they are real people. And it keeps them excited about writing and reading and creating.”

During her presentation, Lynn focused on her children’s series, “Buddy the Blue Corgi” books. Buddy is her dog who inspired her to write books that featured life lessons for kids. Lynn visits schools throughout the region and always brings Buddy. In the past six years, Buddy and Lynn have traveled more than 100,000 miles.

The children were able to see Buddy perform tricks, help their teachers play a game, listen to a story about Buddy and ask Lynn questions. Each student was also able to pet Buddy at the end of the presentation.

Lynn’s “Buddy the Blue Corgi” books include lessons that encompass bullying, learning patience, telling the truth yet standing up for yourself, and not judging people. During her visits, many children have told Lynn they wanted to be an author or illustrator. At times, the children also confide in Buddy that they have a bully, which has helped faculty members intervene. Lynn recalled that at one of the schools, a child told Buddy their parent was a bully and was hurting them. Lynn was able to pull the child aside and get one of the teachers to talk to the student.

“If that’s the only thing I ever accomplish, I’ve done this,” she said. “I’ve helped this little girl.”

When Lynn discovered that the school has the children write their own book for the conference, she said she loved that schools are encouraging children to try other avenues besides sports.

“Being able to have that option for kids who aren’t in to other extracurricular activities, I love it,” Lynn said. “It’s definitely encouraging their minds and their imaginations, and I just love it.”

The Young Authors Conference was started by Kathy Clark and Betty Kunshek in 1990. The teachers continued the event, even after the founding teachers retired.

“It’s Frontenac tradition, and I’m glad to carry on that tradition,” Vesco said.

This reporting is made possible, in part, by the Support Local Journalism Project Fund. Learn more at: southeastkansas.org/Localnews.