Submitted photo Local author and illustrator, Steve Brown, also known as Dynamo Flapdoodle, asks Struthers kindergarten and first-grade students to share topics of what they’d like to write about during one of his interactive sessions at the school’s Right to Read Week kickoff Monday.

Staff report

STRUTHERS — Local author and Youngstown resident Steve Brown helped Struthers Elementary School kick off its week-long literacy campaign, Right to Read Week, as this year’s guest author and speaker.

Also known by his publishing name, “Dynamo Flapdoodle,” Brown is the author and illustrator of nearly 30 multicultural children’s books, who is “dedicated to creating books that feature characters from various cultures and backgrounds, allowing children to learn about and appreciate the world around them,” according to his bio.

During the interactive assembly for kindergarten through 4th grade, Brown shared his inspiration for his pen name, stemming from a nickname he received from his third-grade teacher, which is when his love for doodling first began.

Students took turns sharing their unique publishing names and book topics, and as a group, they came up with their own story.

“When you use your imagination, you can write about any stor y you want in the whole world,” Brown told students as they shared their ideas one-by-one.

After reading aloud one of his books, “Danica Doodles,” Brown also led students through an illustration tutorial and provided students with step-by-step tips to take home, encouraging them to share their illustrations with him.

Brown also attended Struthers Elementary’s Literacy Family Engagement Event Monday evening, which included literacy and math activities, a book exchange and more.

These special events are organized and led by Struthers Literacy Coordinator Sandi Horvath.

“It’s so important for students to develop a love for reading, and also for them to see themselves in the books that we read,” she stated. “We were so glad to have Mr. Brown here to encourage and spark the imagination and aspirations of our students.”

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