Author Visits and Testimonials

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"Our students and their families LOVED having author Ben Barrowman present his story PARMESAN PIG during our recent Literacy Night. The full house was locked in as Ben read about the work of Parmesan Pig, a character committed to helping others. The messages of having a positive mindset, looking out for your friends, and seeing the good in difficult moments are ones that we can all strive for. The conversation led by Ben was active and engaging. You could tell that the audience was able to connect with the theme and enjoyed playing along with the conversation and questions around the characters introduced throughout the story. We look forward to another opportunity to have Mr. Barrowman connect with our students at Montessori Magnet School."

-  John Powell, Principal

 “We loved having Ben Barrowman bring the Parmesan Pig series to Lake Pleasant Central School. His books are fun and engaging, while simultaneously presenting important topics that we don’t always have the words to talk to our kids about. Each book helped to reinforce themes in the social emotional learning we focus on throughout the school year. Ben has a talent for not only holding the interest of our pre-k through 8th grade students, but also making them want to participate in, share, and be a part of Parmesan Pig’s world. It’s been months since Ben’s visit and I still receive character name suggestions that they want me to share with him!”

-Jessie Dorr, LPCS School Counselor

"Ben Barrowman was a HUGE hit with the students of St. Pius X.  He got them excited about reading and writing and inspired them to be creative. He was interactive and lots of fun!"

 -  Kelley Mullaney, St. Pius X Librarian

"It was a pleasure to have Mr. Barrowman (an alumni!) visit St. Thomas School, and read to our pre-k through 6th graders. Our students loved listening to the adventures of Parmesan Pig and her friends. In addition to his author visit, Mr. Barrowman went out of his way to spend focused time with our 6th grade class, sharing his method of character development, how he chose the illustrator for his books and his experience with being self-published. This gift of time made an impact on our students in a meaningful way. Please consider booking Mr. Barrowman for a reading at your school. His stories speak to all ages, entertaining little kids while reminding us adults what truly matters in this world." - Mrs. Adams, STS Librarian

A very special day, as I read Parmesan Pig stories to the students at Slingerlands, where my kids go to elementary school. 150+ students (grades 1/2/3) in attendance throughout the day, and about as many hands raised. Jane and Connor were so proud of their own contributions to this project and helped answer the questions in the session they attended.

A special Veteran's Day event with children at the Saratoga Museum. A younger crowd for these stories (ages 3-4), with tons of excitement for the characters, rhyming stories, and illustrations.

 A big thank you to Read for Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region for the opportunity to be on their author list. I received my first request from Glendaal Elementary (Scotia) to read Parmesan Pig books to the second-grade students in their awesome library to kick off the November reading month. This program is intended to have students track the time they spend reading for a specific month and ask friends & family to sponsor/donate, in accordance with the time spent reading. Authors are selected to come to schools to inspire those efforts and read their stories. Safe to say we have some excited readers at Glendaal today with another hundred character names they might add to a story of their own some day. These 2nd graders were truly engaged with the Parmesan Pig themes of support, friendship, inclusion, acceptance, and well-being/mental health. Tons of questions. Tons of energy. And hopefully a future of kids who will help out charities.

"Ben Barrowman's Parmesan Pig series contains charming stories that cover important social emotional topics, along with beautiful, whimsical illustrations. These stories are a hit with young children, both at home and in the classroom. With the arrival of each new book in the series, children eagerly look forward to reading about Parmesan Pig and her menagerie of foodie friends' adventures. -Kiely Knickerbocker, Kindergarten Teacher

Johnsburg Central School

Jane's 2nd Grade Class

" My kindergarten class had a wonderful opportunity to host local author Ben Barrowman and share his first book of a new series Parmesan Pig. With enthusiasm, Ben introduced the characters of his tale and students were enthralled. The illustrations captivated them and really represented each character. With patience and kindness, Ben answered all students questions. My kindergarteners were in awe of this book and how it developed from his family trips together in Maine. We can’t wait to have him back for book #2!" 

- Jean Barry, Kindergarten Teacher at Guilderland

Connor's 4th Grade Class