What’s under the sea?
That’s the kind of question children’s author Kevin Kurtz wants to help his young audience be able to answer. Answer with facts. Science. Real information. There are so many children’s books that tap into the imagination – which is great. But Kurtz helps fill the void of having non-fiction resources as well.
Kurtz, who has published 28 books to his name, went through his thought and passion for this type of content during his visit to South Seneca Elementary School on March 7. While Kurtz has visited over 400 schools to tell this tale, this was his first time visiting South Seneca.
“I've been doing author visits since my first book was published in 2007,” Kurtz said. “I had to take a break because of Covid and just started doing them again this past year. I live in Rochester and have been trying to get the word out to schools in Central and Western New York that I am available to visit them once again. Beth McCheyne, the librarian at South Seneca, saw I was available and reached out to me to set up the visit.”
Kurtz holds degrees in English literature and elementary education and started his career assisting with lab and field work at a marine biology research center. He then used the knowledge and skills he gained from all of these experiences by working as an educator, program developer, and curriculum writer for organizations such as the Science Factory Children's Museum in Oregon and the South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston to pen his books.
He took South Seneca Elementary students through his writing process. Kurtz said it was a great day, and that he was especially impressed with the students’ enthusiasm, along with their ability to ask great questions.
“I really enjoyed interacting with all the students! Also, I grew up in Homer, NY, and Interlaken reminded me a lot of my hometown.”
If students could only take away one thing from his visit, Kurtz hoped it would be this:
“The world is full of amazing things and, if they keep reading and exploring, they will have a wonder-full life.”
He also noted that in a world that is so reliant and tapped into social media and video content, how important it is to him to make sure there’s still a passion amongst youth for books and reading
“Online media encourages us to seek constant stimulation while not paying attention to anything for more than a few minutes – and often just a few seconds,” he said. “Reading allows kids and adults to calm their minds, to stay focused for long periods of time, to be thoughtful, to be open-minded, and to use our imaginations. I think doing all those things is necessary for both individuals and society to stay healthy.”
Kurtz said he is indeed working on his 29th book.
“I'm working on a book that compares and contrasts the coral reefs we all are familiar with, with the mysterious coral reefs of the deep sea that scientists are just starting to study,” he said.
You can learn more about Kevin Kurtz and his books at his website here: