[CONTRIBUTED STORY]
By KAREN GARNETT | Biddeford School Department
BIDDEFORD, Maine – Biddeford Intermediate School (BIS) welcomed acclaimed author and illustrator Rebekah Lowell on the morning of March 19, 2026, where she led four engaging presentations for third and fourth grade students centered on storytelling, creativity, and art.
A graduate of Biddeford High School, Lowell returned to her hometown to share her journey as an author and illustrator, captivating students with personal stories of how her love of storytelling was sparked during time spent with her grandfather. She spoke about the path that led her to write and illustrate her books, “Catching Flight” and “The Road to After,” and how her work is inspired by a deep connection to nature. As a birder and Maine Master Naturalist, Lowell shared her passion for observing the natural world and creating children’s books that encourage empathy through its wonder.
Reflecting the heart of her work, Lowell shared the following message, as featured on her website: “As children, we have a sense of wonder that often fades as we grow—but my passion is to keep that youthful spirit of discovery alive through the process of observing and creating. My heart continues to be amazed by the natural world we live in and I want to share this through the words and images of my work. By teaching others to love nature, we encourage empathy, and in that we are saving the world.”
In addition to why storytelling is important to her, Lowell guided students step-by-step through drawing a northern cardinal bird, blending literacy and visual art in a hands-on learning experience. The BIS cafeteria was filled with excitement as students followed along, creating their own unique illustrations. Some students even had the opportunity to have their drawings autographed by Lowell following the sessions.
“Having Rebekah Lowell join us was a wonderful experience for our students,” said Lindsey Nadeau, principal at Biddeford Intermediate School. “Her ability to connect storytelling with art brought literacy to life in a way that was inspiring. By sharing her personal journey—from growing up in Biddeford to becoming a published author—she showed our students that their own stories matter and that creativity can take many forms.”
The visit highlighted the importance of fostering both literacy and artistic expression in young learners, reinforcing the district’s commitment to providing enriching, real-world learning opportunities that inspire curiosity, empathy, and confidence.
To learn more about Rebekah Lowell and her work, visit https://rebekahlowell.com.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR | A proud Biddeford alumna, Karen brings more than 30 years of experience in marketing, public relations, graphic design, and development across the health care and education sectors. She currently serves as Communications Director for the Biddeford, Saco, and Dayton School Departments.
email | kgarnett@biddefordschools.me
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