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Children’s author, first-grader share their story of inspiration
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Author Rebecca Macri and Courtney Ross, 7, look over the book that was inspired by the Watson Elementary first-grader.
By christine keeling
austintown
An author and illustrator was inspired by an Austintown student.
First-grader Courtney Ross is the face of Lindy Lou in Rebecca Macri’s newest children’s book, “Mosaic Me.”
The story, meant to be a reaffirmation that everyone is just as God intended them to be, was shared Friday with Courtney’s classmates at Watson Elementary School.
“Mosaics are when a lot of little pieces are taken to make art,” Macri said to the students. “And you are a lot of pieces and parts of people in your family.”
Each of the students, she said, was unique, and it was OK not to be like anyone else.
“I chose Courtney because she is that unique beauty that is common to everyone, and she wears it well,” said Macri.
Every page in the book is adorned with colorful representations of the student.
Courtney’s father, Scott Ross, said they had a lot of fun taking the pictures to send for Macri to draw. The young girl got to dress up, sing into a brush, dance around her room and make funny faces.
“I hope she writes another book about me,” said Courtney. “I like to read.”
Courtney is Macri’s second cousin and not the only family member who has been portrayed in the author’s books. “Pipi: A Very Special Caterpillar” is a tale of enduring love between parent and child and features a main character based on Macri’s quadriplegic brother-in-law.
The North Carolina author’s next story, “The Moonbreaker and the Madgi,” will be written around her two sons and four nephews.
Sheila Palumbo, the school’s principal, said the author’s visit was a way to promote literacy.