A love of storytelling came full circle on Monday, Oct. 19, when Shaker High School junior Michael Banson visited a second-grade class at Latham Ridge Elementary School to share his self-published debut book, The Panda, the Lion, and the Magic Kazoo.

Michael first wrote the story in eighth grade and recently revisited the book, refreshing the illustrations and adding a rhyming pattern to bring the story to life in a new way. Now, he is sharing his creativity and passion for writing with younger students throughout the district.

Michael has continued to develop his writing alongside his former eighth-grade English teacher, Christina Froehlich, and middle school students through a Young Authors Club. The experience provides an opportunity for young writers to explore their creativity and develop their storytelling skills.

Through classroom visits like the one at Latham Ridge, Michael is inspiring the next generation of readers and writers while demonstrating how a story can grow and evolve over time.

The Panda, the Lion, and the Magic Kazoo is available on Amazon. Michael's next school visit is planned for Loudonville Elementary School in November.