The spirit of the Penn State Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon hit a local State College bookstore this weekend as recent Penn State graduate Ariela Rossberg held an event titled “Read For The Kids.”
On Saturday, Rossberg made an appearance to read her recent children’s book, “The Gray Days,” in Webster’s Bookstore Café, 133 E. Beaver Ave., followed by a book signing. “The Gray Days” is an Amazon Best Seller, according to Rossberg’s website.
Inspired by her previous participation in THON, a portion of the proceeds was donated to the organization’s fight against pediatric cancer.
“Through my writing,” Rossberg said, “I wanted to give something special back to kids, like what THON gave to me.”
“The Gray Days,” a book about one boy’s quest to find imagination in a world that lacks color, is filled with illustrations by the second and third grade students of Oaks School No. 3 in Oceanside, NY.
“I was so inspired that the children drew the pictures for my book so beautifully,” said Rossberg.
Although Rossberg’s inspiration for “The Gray Days” was the product of what she calls a “creative accident” during a writing workshop, it has motivated readers of all ages.
“After seeing her reading today, I was impressed,” Jason Miller, a fifth-year graduate student at Penn State, said. “As an adult, you realize there are underlying tones and messages in books that you hope children may one day learn from.”
The owner of Webster’s Bookstore Café, Elaine Meder-Wilgus, said the book was amazing.
“[Her book] was so well crafted, truly beautifully language,” she said.
While Rossberg said she has a few more children’s books brewing in the back of her mind, she is also considering writing young adult books in the future.
“Writing and reading for children is so exciting; they are just so inspiring and brilliant,” said Rossberg.
