Nettleton STEAM Art Squad to Illustrate Children's Book Series

JONESBORO, Ark. - Oct. 1, 2019 - PRLog -- TouchPoint Press is excited to announce its new partnership with Nettleton STEAM, recognized for its hands-on and real-life learning approach to teaching.

Publisher Sheri Williams approached Principal Cathelene Gray with the idea to involve the school's art students in the illustration process for TouchPoint Press' children's books. Gray presented the idea to James Dunivan, Nettleton Public Schools Superintendent, who approved the partnership.

"As part of the partnership, we will engage student talent for our children's books. What better way to ensure children love the illustrations than to have children do the illustrating?" Williams stated, "I have a grandson who attends STEAM, and I am impressed with the school's out-of-the-box methods of teaching and learning. I know the art students will bring unique life to the series of children's books we are publishing,"

When Williams came up with the idea of an elementary and middle-grade school-publisher partnership, her first act was to research whether this has been done through other book publishers. "Apart from the Scholastic Book Fairs, I didn't find anything that would indicate another publisher had previously come up with the idea or that the idea had been put into action. I am proud that TouchPoint, a small indie press, is embarking on new territory in the industry," Williams explains.

Beginning with Jacob Paul Patchen's ten-book Words That Matter series, the students' art teacher, Cody Willoughby, will oversee the process and will include related methods and concepts in his teaching experience. Having viewed some of the art teacher's methods, Williams is impressed at how well he engages the students. "They are already learning some of the things that are part of the professional illustration process. They love his class!" she says.

As part of the partnership, each student has a unique opportunity to learn what professional artists do and how professional illustrators create characters, scenes, consistent settings, and visual dialogue for the best reading experience. It's also important that reading is fun in a way that encourages and engages young audiences. Having students illustrate books is a giant leap toward achieving that goal.

Because this is an educational program and a way to enhance each student's learning experience, TouchPoint Press will donate a portion of all sales on each title to Nettleton STEAM. Complimentary copies of each title will be provided to all participating students, the art teacher, and school library. The press will also provide a discount to staff and students' parents who want to purchase additional copies for friends and family.

Visit http://www.touchpointpress.com to learn more about the press and Patchen's series.