Community effort brings author Ben Clanton and his books to Morgen Owings

CHELAN — Every student in kindergarten through fifth grade at Morgen Owings Elementary received a book by author Ben Clanton as part of an Oct. 2 visit made possible by local donors, businesses and parents.

Clanton is the author and illustrator of the New York Times bestselling Narwhal and Jelly series. His other work includes the Tater Tales series and the Ploof books, created with Andy Chou Musser. He lives in Seattle.

The visit began with school librarian Krystina Nelson, who contacted Clanton because his books appeal to students across the elementary grades. Clanton agreed to waive his usual speaking fee if the school could purchase a book for each student from kindergarten through fifth grade.

That arrangement brought together a network of community supporters who helped cover the books and the author’s travel expenses.

Rotary Book Buddies and Turner Restoration donated funding for the books. Nelson used remaining school Book Fair funds to purchase a bundle of books, while Tyler at Riverwalk Books ordered the rest at cost.

Caitlyn Kelly and Erin Peterson, members of the school’s parent-teacher organization, helped arrange lodging and food voucher donations to support Clanton’s visit.

The school arranged for Clanton to sign the books before his presentations. The purchases also included a limited number of Spanish-language titles for kindergarten and first grade classrooms.

“Our students benefit when people throughout our Chelan community take an interest in their learning,” Superintendent Brad Wilson said. “This visit is a good example of that. I appreciate Krystina’s work to bring it together and the generosity of each person and business who helped.”

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media