One Story Week

This year, Lower School hosted author and illustrator Matt Phelan for the 2025 One Story Week. In addition to illustrating books for other authors, Matt has written and illustrated many of his own, from picture books to chapter books to graphic novels. 

The four days of special activities kicked off with an outdoor divisional gathering at the fire circle on Monday, followed by decorating and personalizing One Story Week tee shirts. On other afternoons, students participated in mixed-grade activities based on themes from several of Matt’s books. During these activities, fifth graders served as student leaders, assisting Primary Circle, first, and second grade students. The week culminated with a talk given by Matt Phelan in our Gathering Room.

Lower School Principal Karyn Payton shares, “Matt gave an engaging and inspiring presentation to our young artists and writers. He shared his journey to becoming an illustrator and author by connecting his childhood to our students’ using a photograph of himself as a first grader and drawings he made in second and fifth grades. Simply put, Matt shared that anyone who plays, uses their imagination, and/or draws can become an author or illustrator. Highlighting the phrase, ‘creativity is superpower,’ Matt’s tips for the creative process included starting with an idea, being curiously attentive to the world around you, and finding the story in history. Matt showed us an example of his own drafting to final story process for a graphic novel—from scribble to sketch to final picture.”

Thanks go to Heather Tannenbaum, Lower School Library and Media Specialist, and the Lower School faculty One Story Week Committee for planning this special week. You can enjoy the gallery of photos here!