Grandview Elementary students welcomed author Izzy B. and illustrator Ben Askew on Friday, March 13, for a special author visit celebrating their book The Mighty McKraken, one of this year’s Missouri Show Me Award nominees.

Students in kindergarten through second grade attended the first assembly, followed by a second session for students in grades three through five. During the presentations, both guests shared their personal journeys and experiences related to reading, writing, and creativity.

Illustrator Ben Askew spoke with students about his experiences growing up with dyslexia and the challenges he faced both as a student and later as an adult. He encouraged students to persevere through difficulties and reminded them that learning differences do not prevent someone from achieving their goals.

Author Izzy B. shared the story of his path to becoming a writer and discussed how the encouragement he received from teachers helped him pursue his passion for storytelling. He emphasized the importance of imagination, hard work, and believing in one’s ideas.

Throughout the school year, Grandview Elementary students in grades K–5 read the ten nominees for the Missouri Show Me Award and voted for their favorite title. The Mighty McKraken received the most votes from students, earning a total of 186 votes.

Following the presentations, Grandview librarian Mrs. Christa Bell presented Izzy B. and Ben Askew with a trophy recognizing the book as the winner of the 2026 Husker Show Me Award, a student-selected honor at Grandview Elementary.

The author visit was funded through a grant from the Missouri State Library.

This project is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Missouri State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.