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Cobb, who is also a musician, singer, actor and performer, interjects humor into his show and promotes literacy through music, stories and interactive activities. He facilitated the school assemblies for each grade level.
“He took his audience on a journey through creative exploration and focused on the writing process by cleverly blending educational information with live performances, music, readings and interactive activities,” Principal Deborah Mariniello said. “His performances were compelling and his energy and excitement for his craft were contagious.”
During the assemblies, Cobb, who has been writing music and lyrics for more than 25 years, played his guitar, performed original songs, read from his books, shared anecdotes about working with an illustrator, and spoke with students about the writing and editing process he undergoes.
He also told stories about the inspirations behind his books, which often stemmed from his experiences with his family and were originally written as bedtime stories for his two children.
“What I’m trying to convey to the students is an understanding of where to find ideas,” Cobb said. “It’s important for children at any age to understand that the easiest things to write about are the things you know about. When you cling to those things that have happened to you, everything just comes to life. “
Mostly, he said, he hoped to inspire students to be creative, whether they choose to play the guitar, take a singing lesson, or pick up a pencil to draw or a pen to write with.
As part of his visit, Cobb also produced a customized version of his book “Do Pirates Go to School?” and titled it “Do Pirates Go to Dows Lane Elementary School?”
Throughout the book, students could find the names of teachers and staff members on signs, pirate rosters, mailboxes and other illustrations.
The event was made possible by the Irvington PTSA.
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