Head O’ Meadow Elementary School students visited virtually with author Mac Barnett on March 30.

The author, at his home in California, and Head O’ Meadow classrooms were connected, along with students at home, by video.

“I’m here in California in my office... I am an author. I write books. I have written 50 books that are out,” Barnett said near the start of the event. He noted his books included the Brixton Brothers series; the Terrible Two series; Billy Twitters and His Blue Whale Problem; Oh No!, Or, How My Science Project Destroyed the World; and Chloe and the Lion.

Head O’ Meadow library media specialist Beth Murphy arranged the event.

During the virtual visit, Barnett shared some secrets about what being an author is like, and he read his book Triangle. Barnett also revealed something he warned the students would be scary.

“This is the scariest thing in the world to authors and illustrators: a blank sheet of paper,” Barnett said, as students laughed. He later explained that every morning, a blank sheet of paper stares him in the face, “demanding to be filled up with my words.”

For authors, Barnett shared, “Our homework is just to make up stories that we want to tell,” adding that all a writer needs is “your brain, something to write with, and a blank piece of paper.”

After students asked questions, Barnett introduced them to his dog, right before the virtual visit ended.

“Thank you Head O’ Meadow. This has been a lot of fun,” he said before waving goodbye.

For more information about Barnett and his books, see his website, macbarnett.com.