Author Laura T. Barnes from Sergeants-ville visited the students of Sunnymead School on March 28 as part of the school’s Author’s Day program.
Ms. Barnes, author of "Twist and Ernest," "Teeny, Tiny Ernest," and "Ernest and the Big Itch" shared her knowledge of writing, editing, and publishing children’s books.
A former graphic designer, Ms. Barnes has an extensive knowledge of the entire process of creating a book from beginning to end. Each of her books focuses on a problem or lesson, which is solved in the end. Even though her books only feature animals, they deal with very human issues, like friendship.
The Sunnymead students were fascinated with the source of Laura Barnes’ ideas. All she has to do is look out the window of her converted barn and watch the animals below her.
Though purely coincidence that her last name is "Barnes" and she lives in a barn, her farm is equipped with five miniature donkeys, five cows, several horses, a rooster, and a cat. Ernest, a miniature donkey that stands only 29 inches tall, is the main character in her books. Twist, a retired show horse, also resides at the Barnes residence, as well as in her books.
The faculty at Sunnymead was particularly intrigued with the fact that Laura re-wrote her first book sixty times before it went to publication. The boys and girls also had a better understanding of why teachers often ask them to revise and edit their written work.
This author visit was made possible through the generosity of the Sunnymead Home and School Association. Prior to the visit, students participated were given an opportunity to read and discuss Laura T. Barnes’ books. Follow-up lessons were also planned and executed.

