Since 1985, Matt Faulkner has illustrated over 40 children’s books and has written a few of his own. He came to several Oxford schools last week to show students what illustrating and telling stories is all about.

While visiting Leonard Elementary on March 27, Faulkner told students about his life in drawing and read aloud a book he illustrated called “The Monster Who Ate My Peas.”

Written by Danny Schnitzlein, the story follows a young boy who doesn’t want to eat the peas on his dinner plate. He is approached by a monster who offers to eat the peas in exchange for things like the boy’s soccer ball, bike and pet dog. After some tricky encounters with the monster, the boy eventually finds out that peas aren’t that bad after all.

While reading the story, Faulkner had the students roaring with laughter.

While he was in town, Faulkner also visited Oxford Middle School, Lakeville Elementary and Clear Lake Elementary.

For more photos from Faulkner’s visit to Leonard, check out this week’s Leader.