Elementary students create anthology of poems, stories

The community is invited to attend a book signing, reading and reception at 6 p.m. Tues., June 5 at the Walnut Canyon Elementary School multipurpose room, 280 Casey Road, Moorpark.

The event will celebrate of the inaugural edition of "Canyons," a collection of poetry and short stories written by Walnut Canyon students age 5 to 10.

The anthology's theme is "Hopes and Dreams." Some children wrote about their hope for a safer world or hope for a cure for illness. Others imagined dragons, castles, and fairies and others dreamed of future careers, such as surfers, baseball players, princesses, doctors, policemen and teachers.

According to "Canyons" editors Mary Sagala Verleur, Beth Gillis-Smith, and Tracy Tennenhouse, "We wanted to promote an appreciation for literature and the art of writing. The anthology exists to provide a space for children to tell their own tales, create their own metaphors. It's really a legacy of that magical time of being a child. We think you'll find the poems and stories interesting, entertaining, inspiring, and memorable."

"Canyons" is available for $6, while supplies last. To purchase a copy, mail a check payable to WCPTA to Walnut Canyon Elementary School, 280 Casey Road, Moorpark, CA 93021.

For more information about the book or how to create an anthology, call Verleur at (805) 390-0255 or e-mail mary_sagala@msn.com.