'Caps Off to Westfield's Blue Devil' Book Signing Monday at Learning Express

The authors of 'Caps Off to Westfield's Blue Devil' will sign copies of their picture book from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, March 18 at Learning Express Westfield at 104 Quimby Street. All proceeds will benefit the Education Fund of Westfield.

Written by Education Fund members Amy Seid, Erica Pivinski and Claudia Andreski, the authors began working on the book in May of 2012. Suitable for all ages, the book, which came out in December, follows Westfield schools' mascot as he visits each of the district's 10 schools as well as local landmarks. Tasked with speaking at Westfield High School's graduation ceremony, the Blue Devil takes readers along for the ride as he embarks on a journey through town to gather information before making his speech.

In order to highlight what makes each of the district's 10 schools special, the writers sought help from those with first-hand experience: the students. Andreski, who taught at Jefferson, McKinley and Franklin Elementary Schools, sent a questionnaire to each school for students to complete.

"It was interesting to see how there was a theme for each school," Andreski told Patch in December. "The kids came up with what they really liked the best."

Established in 1991, the Education Fund has raised over $300,000 to benefit Westfield schools, Andreski noted. Most recently, the non-profit funded an iPad lab at Westfield High School.