Third graders in Haddie Lary’s class at Connors Elementary School in Lewiston have been participating in a Side x Side program led by teaching artists, Pamela Moulton and Jude Valentine, that is integrating a science and literacy unit on animals with bookmaking.

The program kicked off with a visit by Mr. Drew and His Animals Too, a natural science and exotic animal rescue and rehabilitation center in Lewiston. Mr. Drew enthralled the students with his wisdom about animals, our climate, and our impact on the world and shared his many critters ranging from cockroaches to the world’s strongest Boa from Madagascar!

During the program, students used drawing, printmaking, and collage to create handmade books on elephants, frogs, and penguins that they shared with students, friends, and family during a showcase gallery event.