In keeping with the Gloucester 400+ commemoration, First R Foundation will continue reading books featuring Gloucester writers, illustrators, and themes to the kindergarteners and first graders in Gloucester’s public schools. Local favorite Daisy Nell will read to the kindergarteners at East Gloucester Elementary School on May 3 and the first graders of West Parish School on May 5. In collaboration with First R, she will distribute copies of her books The Stowaway Mouse and Winnie at the Wheel to each classroom for their libraries.

Nell, a native of Essex, is a folk singer and songwriter with a long history of school, museum, and shipboard performances. She has performed throughout New England and as far away as Hawaii and Alaska with her husband Stan Collinson and their band, Crabgrass. She has several CDs and a Parent’s Choice Award-winning children’s album, Bought Me a Rooster. She is the author of four previous children’s books, all illustrated by George Ulrich. She serves as the Chair of the annual Gloucester Schooner Festival and is the proud owner of the schooner Redbird.