A popular children's book author and illustrator Ralph Masiello gave his presentation today to students in K-5 at Clayton Ave Elementary, telling the students about his books and giving them some lessons on illustrating.

Masiello has been an author and illustrator for close to 40 years and always tries to find time to visit schools to connect with the kids he writes his books for.

Teaching kids the basics of drawing and finding inspiration, Masiello hopes they realize they can pursue their passions like he did if they work at it.

Masiello says, "I hope they see that anybody can be an artist. There's no mistakes. In fact, I tried to tell them a mistake is an opportunity to create something else. So I hope they come out thinking, you know, I can do this, I can draw, and even if they cant get very proficient at it, they'll enjoy it."