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Not just a picture book: Illustrator reads story on bullying to first graders

Chris Dudley got to see the impact of this donation in action as he read the book, "Nyrah's Bully," to a group of first-grade students at River City Charter Academy. 

Chris Dudley said he received the message while on vacation.

The Warner Norcross & Judd Lawfirm, where Dudley is employed, had decided to raise money to purchase and donate the children's book he illustrated to National Heritage Academy schools throughout Michigan.

On Tuesday, March. 7, Dudley got to see the impact of this donation in action as he read the book, "Nyrah's Bully," to a group of first-grade students at River City Charter Academy.

The law firm's staff raised more than $2,500 and donated the book to help promote National Reading Awareness Month.

Dudley worked with author and Georgia native, Annette Smith for months to perfect the story based on the experiences of a young girl from Grand Rapids.

The story illustrates how Nyrah turned her bully into a friend; an important lesson for students right now, Dudley said.

The first graders at River City Charter Academy could hardly keep their hands down, filled with questions both about Nyrah's story and Dudley's illustrations.

"I began illustrating when I was your age," Dudley told the students circled around him.

To which one student fired back, "Well, how old are you now?"

The book can be purchased on Amazon, or on www.chrisdudleyart.com.

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