Daniel Axford Elementary students gathered in the school’s gymnasium in groups on March 16, as a part of National Reading Month, to hear Illustrator Cyd Moore share information about her books and her life.

Moore has published over 50 children’s books, including “I Love You, Stinky Face” and “He’s Been a Monster all Day.”

Her artwork has been featured in books, posters, games, greeting cards, album covers, magazines, museums and even McDonald’s Happy Meal boxes.

Moore, who now lives in Michigan, shared pictures from her life during the first presentation of the day. When growing up in southern Georgia, Moore said, she spent time with her two brothers playing in swimming holes, jumping on trampolines, and tending to the various animals on the family farm.

The illustrator told students how she models many of the characters in her books after her friends and neighbors.

“Most writers and artists pull from their lives,” Moore said. “So when you guys are writing stories, look through your life… there are stories all around you.”

Moore closed her presentation by drawing a picture of an alligator for the students.