Kazuhiro “Kazu” Kibuishi is a Japanese–American graphic novel author and illustrator who is a rock star for young readers. Donations to the Foundation helped bring Kazu to the Central Library and helped several public schools arrange field trips to hear him talk about his books.
Here’s a letter we received soon after the event from a teacher at Kimball Elementary School:
Dear Library Foundation,
A couple weeks ago I was invited to bring the 4th and 5th graders from my school to the Central Library to hear author Kazu Kibuishi speak. It was a marvelous opportunity to hear from a tremendously talented man and my students just drank it up. Mr. Kibuishi talked about his art and his books and how he became an author/illustrator. Moreover, he talked about persistence, and doing what you love and about overcoming hardship to turn it into something positive and important. It was the most fascinating and worthwhile author presentation I’ve ever attended, and I was so thrilled that my students and students from Beacon Hill Elementary were able to experience it. The Kimball kids have been buzzing about Mr. Kibuishi and his books ever since, and show no signs of stopping.
I want you to know how important experiences like this are for my students. They really felt special to be invited to this event, and I believe many of them learned lessons they won’t soon forget. We owe a huge debt of thanks to the Seattle Public Library Foundation for making this all possible. I want you to know that you touched hundreds of young lives in a very special way through this single event, and thousands more through the work you do throughout the year.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Yours Sincerely,
Carter Kemp
Teacher, Kimball Elementary