14 Jul Ben Barrowman

Posted at 16:19h in Elementary School Author by Kimmy Venter

Contact information: BBarrowman21@gmail.com / 518-817-3982

About the Author: Ben Barrowman is the creator, author, and self-publisher of the Parmesan Pig Children’s Book Series. It all started in 2015 when his daughter invented a character, Parmesan Pig, among other food-animal characters. Feeling compelled to provide his children with stories about friendship and values, he wrote several books over the years. In 2022, he officially published the first two books in the series. Professionally, Ben works for Policy Research Associates, in Bethlehem, NY – the same town where he was raised and still resides. He works with Veteran organizations across the country to address the behavioral health needs of military, Veterans, and their families. This profession deals with themes of wellness, mental
and behavioral health, and peer support – all of which are core elements throughout the book series. Ben is married to Lauren, an elementary school teacher, who also grew up in Bethlehem. They have two children, Connor and Jane. You will routinely catch him on the sidelines of a sporting event. Lastly, Ben lives with Type-1 Diabetes, prioritizing exercise and healthy living habits.

Book titles/intended audience:
Parmesan Pig, published May 2022 (ages 4-10)
Parmesan Pig Saw What Was Needed, (sequel) Published Oct 1, 2022 (Age 4-10)

Presentations available for: Elementary School (grades PK-5)

Type of visit(s) available: In person, Live virtual, Pre-recorded

Visit details: Typically, an event would last about 45-60 mins. It would include 15 minutes at the opening: my personal introduction, the backstory on how the book series came to be, and discussion/Q&A with the children about the Social-Emotional theme of the given book(s) in the series that will be read. Then the book(s) would be read to the audience, with each book taking about 6-7 minutes. Following this, there is an open discussion and Q&A about what the children in attendance learned, certain character storylines that they connected with or have questions about, how they see themselves being a good friend in the same ways Parmesan Pig exemplified, and the parts of the story they enjoyed the most. Lastly (and I’ve learned to save this for last because once it starts it can’t be stopped), I usually use the final 5-10 minutes to see what character names the kids can imagine – knowing that all characters in the book series are some food-animal combination (ie. Parmesan Pig, Watermelon Whale, Spaghetti Spider, etc). Special points if they guess a character that I wrote into the upcoming books in the series

Availability: 1-2 visits per month

Notice required for scheduling: 1 month

Book order forms provided prior to visit? Yes. In person visits – delivered on the day of the school visit. Live virtual visits -delivery to be coordinated with the school

Book signing opportunity: Yes

Additional Paid services available: No

To schedule a visit: email – BBarrowman21@gmail.com