Throughout the week, KSD Elementary students enjoyed a visit from author and photographer/illustrator Terry Border. At Keysor, art teacher Vanessa Lang incorporated his visit into the art curriculum, inspiring students to create artwork based on Border’s books. Their work is now displayed in the Keysor art gallery. To check out the Keysor student artwork, please visit our Facebook page.

Border has written beloved children’s books such as Peanut Butter & Cupcake!, Snack Attack!, and Milk Goes to School. His books bring inanimate objects to life in witty and imaginative ways. "If you look at something long enough, you’ll find something funny about it," said Border.

During his visit to the library, Keysor students asked Border a variety of questions, including:

• Q: How long does it take to complete one of your photos?
  A: About a day—excluding the time spent shopping for props.
• Q: Why do all your books end with something getting eaten?
  A: I like to keep things unexpected. Not every story has a happy ending, and I want to surprise readers.
• Q: Why do you always make the cookies die?
  A: Because they’re the most delicious—so they’re always the first to go!
• Q: Have you ever thought about photographing nonfood things?
• A: I’ve thought about it but haven’t. The thought of a milk carton walking around a spilling all over the place is funny.

Other fun facts about Border include his biggest photography challenge—an ice cube, which he constantly had to put in and out of the freezer. His favorite book (besides his own) is The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.

More About Terry Border:

Terry Border is a renowned children's author and photographer best known for his creative and humorous storytelling. His unique style combines photography and sculpture, using wire-based figures to bring everyday objects to life.

Before transitioning into children's literature, Border worked as a commercial photographer. His breakthrough came with his Bent Objects series, where he used wire to give personality and movement to ordinary items like peanuts, utensils, and food. The success of these playful, often humorous scenes led him to publish multiple children’s books, including Peanut Butter & Cupcake! and Milk Goes to School. These books use his signature wire-animated photography to create fun, relatable stories filled with wordplay and visual humor.

Border’s work is celebrated for its originality, charm, and ability to engage children by offering fresh perspectives on everyday objects. His books inspire creativity, playfulness, and an appreciation for the humor in the world around us.