Surprise 'Author' Visit Delights Concord Second-Graders

Some of the most magical moments in childhood emerge when children immerse themselves in a storybook, envisioning they are part of the story and all but befriending the characters.

So the second-graders at were in for a truly memorable surprise Thursday when during a reading of a book from the Geronimo Stilton series, Geronimo himself appeared in teacher Anya Schlottmann’s classroom.

The mouse, author and editor of The Rodent Gazette stopped by for a brief visit with the children while special education teacher Cindy Kenney read one of his stories.

Second-grade teacher Debbie Paton said that the Geronimo Stilton books are a great tool for teaching students because they deal with relatable issues in a humorous and exciting way. 

“They have a unique storyline that ignites a passion for reading,” she said. “They really get the kids attention because of their unusual presentation.”

In a story Schlottmann read her class just before Stilton’s arrival, the word “economize” was spelled out so as each letter served as the start of a sentence explaining what economize means. 

The children repeatedly engaged with the story, softly (and sometimes not so softly) murmuring cheese throughout the reading.

“They get very excited about what’s going to come next,” Paton said.

Check out the Patch photo gallery of Geronimo’s visit.