As the annual PARP (Parents as Reading Partners) program drew to a close Friday in Lynbrook elementary schools, students at West End Elementary received a special treat as author J.C. Greenburg spoke to classes about both writing and science.

Greenburg, author of the Andrew Lost series, mixed her love of literature and dinosaurs into her presentation. The Andrew Lost books are a “humorous science adventure series,” according to Greenburg’s website. 

The author encouraged students to find a subject they connect with and explore every aspect of it.

“Take all of the things you’re interested in very seriously,” Greenburg said. “Take all of your questions very seriously. You never know if these things might become something that you do as you get older. It might become your work, your fun, or your job. It might become something you write about.”

For Greenburg, that interest was paleontology. Referencing a picture of a Tyrannosaurus rex projected on a screen behind her, Greenburg spoke of her first interaction with the topic that would change her life.

“I saw my first T-rex, the complete skeleton, when I was six years old,” she said. “My parents took me to the Peabody Museum of Natural History in New Haven, Connecticut. It was the most wonderful thing I have ever seen in my entire life.”

Upon returning home from that childhood trip, the author began to wander around her backyard looking for fossils and practice “being a junior paleontologist.”

“I went out, got a shovel, and started digging up rocks,” Greenburg said. 

Although she never achieved every aspect of her childhood dream, Greenburg went on to edit biology books. That put her close to her favorite topic.

Much to the amusement of students in attendance, Greenburg proceeded to show slides of microscopic organisms that live on human flesh. Citing biologists that she worked with as an editor, Greenburg called those organisms “the zoo on you.”

While most of the assembly focused on subjects that inspired the Andrew Lost series, Greenburg did spend some time speaking about writing inspiration.

Instead of writing about happy subjects such as a birthday party or family vacation, Greenburg encouraged students to pen stories in which a problem is posed. Even picture books, she said, often feature characters that have to deal with an obstacle.  

“Even your fears can be very useful for your writing,” Greenburg said.

The mix of science, photos, and writing tips captured the attention of students. Most sat entranced through most of the presentation, eager to participate and ask questions.

Greenburg was appreciative that her words struck such a chord.

“There’s nothing more fun than coming to schools and talking to kids like you,” she said.