Robert J. Blake, author/illustrator visits Hardin schools.

Blake was an inspiration to the students when he stated he began drawing in the second grade and now has fulfilled his dream of traveling all over the world, meeting people, hearing stories, gathering data, drawing and writing books. He has had 29 books published. He mentioned that he draws daily, having filled 119 sketch books to date. And, he told the students regardless of ever they wished to do with their life, they must practice daily and be determined to do their best.

His Bluebonnet Award Book, TOGO, had to be re-written 53 times.

Blake has covered the Alaskan Iditarod 1049 mile race. He has written about the sled dogs, which pulled the Iditarod sled in delivering the serum for the diphtheria epidemic in Nome in 1925. As he was speaking this week, the Iditarod race is taking place. Students are following the Iditarod Race attempting to determine the winning musher and sled team.

By reading, ten students earned ‘reserve seating’. Top fifth and sixth grade readers are shown in the accompanying photo with Robert J. Blake.

Hardin Schools has had Book Fairs offering books by Robert J. Blake. When he was here on Thursday, he signed the books students had purchased.

Guests at the performances were Naomi Lloyd, Linda Doolin, Mary Francis Frewin and Peggy Tidwell.

The week was planned by Anna Mae Veach, Debbie Lowry, Beth Lyons and Diana Shaw.