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As lovable as his subject
Actor John Lithgow charms young kids, teens and their parents as he brings his new book, I'm a Manatee, to life.
By HEATHER FOSTER
Published September 22, 2003
[Times photo: Stephen J. Coddington]
A show of hands by children who have read John Lithgow’s new book, I’m a Manatee, is a show of support for Lithgow during an appearance at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park on Sept. 13.
HOMOSASSA SPRINGS - Although John Lithgow wrote I'm a Manatee for the preschool set, several "tweenagers" couldn't resist seeing the actor up close when he recently visited Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park to promote the book.
"You're never too old," said Ashton Connor, 12, a seventh-grader at Inverness Middle School, at the performance and book signing by Lithgow, who played an alien on the television show 3rd Rock From the Sun and was the voice of Lord Farquaad in the animated movieShrek.
More than 500 people attended. The youngsters were drawn to Lithgow, unable to resist the temptation to crawl onstage with him. But the preteens were just as charmed as Lithgow read and sang from all his children's books, including the latest book and CD, I'm a Manatee, about a boy who dreams he is a manatee.
"He brought (the book) to life!" said Lauren Bomke, 12, also a seventh-grade student at Inverness Middle.
"I loved it," Ashton said. "He was so funny. I loved his enthusiasm."
Joanne Bomke, Lauren's mom, said she enjoyed Lithgow's performance as much as the girls did.
In addition to reading from I'm a Manatee, Lithgow also read and sang his way through his three previous children's books, Micawber, Marsupial Sue and The Remarkable Farkle McBride. He also sang an original song about his dogs, Fanny and Blue, and he led the adults in a singing contest against the children.
"I liked the singing," said Kayleigh Pollert, 13, an eighth-grader at Crystal River Middle School.
Lithgow, 57, was inspired to write I'm a Manatee while visiting the Cincinnati Zoo. It started to rain, and he took shelter in the manatee exhibit and fell in love with the creatures. From there, lyrics started running through his head.
After writing the book, he was contacted by the Save the Manatee Club, a Florida environmental organization. Lithgow and Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing are now supporters of the club.
"I do love the idea of raising consciousness about animals, especially the ones that are in trouble," Lithgow said.
"I think that it is really a great thing that Mr. Lithgow is doing," said Donovan Foster, 11, a fifth-grade student at Citrus Springs Elementary School. "I love how gentle the manatees are, and I want there to be laws to protect them."
After Lithgow's performance, Helen L. Spivey, co-chairwoman of the Save the Manatee Club, announced that Lithgow was becoming the adoptive parent of Rosie the manatee. At 3,000 pounds, Rosie is the largest manatee at the park. Lithgow fed Rosie carrots and got acquainted by scratching her nose.
More than 285 people waited in line to get their books signed by Lithgow. And none of them seemed to mind the heavy rain that fell during the wait.
"He was GOOD. It was all really cool," said Katy Blackerby, 12, a seventh-grader at Citrus Springs Middle School. "I never got to see an actor before."
- Heather Foster, 13, is in seventh grade at Citrus Springs Middle School.
For information about the Save the Manatee Club, visit the Web site at www.savethemanatee.org or call toll-free 1-800-432-5646.
