Gockley Elementary School staff pose for a photo in between handing out pretzels and water to attendees of a presentation and meet-and-greet with author and illustrator Lee Harper, held May 24 at Whitehall High School. Families also received a free signed copy of “Turkey's Sandtastic Beach Day.”

Harper talks with students and their families about how he started his career in illustrating.

Steve, Ashley and Stella Eminhizer, of Whitehall, attend the event. Students in kindergarten through fifth grade followed a directed drawing of some of Harper's characters. PRESS PHOTOS BY STACEY KOCH