North and South School students
learn about reptiles, amphibians

During his informative assembly, David Nieves teaches North School students about two kinds of snakes.

What do snakes and lizards have to do with writing? Author and photographer David Nieves, who is a Bellevue resident, brought the two subjects together as he spoke to elementary students. On Friday, February 1, the herpetologist spoke at both South School and North School. Students from Maple Grove, Sacred Heart, and some local preschools also attended the presentations.

During the assemblies, Nieves talked about word choice and other writing conventions while he informed students about reptiles and amphibians. The students learned more about the Six Traits of Writing while they were informed about how humans are different from reptiles, what we share with them, and why we need them around.

David Nieves shows the audience one of his lizards during the "Reptiles, Up Close and Personal" assembly.

Nieves is the author of two books, Reptiles Up Close and More Reptiles Up Close. He has another book, Amphibians Up Close, which will soon be published. In the multimedia program during the assemblies, the author discussed his work, his travels all over the world, and the creation of his books. He also talked to the students about how books and reading have influenced his life in a positive way. North School Principal Tim Heckenlively said, "It was the best assembly we've had."

At his home in Bellevue, Nieves has 45 different reptiles. His house is set up as a lab. The 45-year old is married and has three daughters, who are 15, 11, and 2 years old.

On Friday evening, approximately 500 community members attended a "First Fridays" gallery talk by Nieves. The presentation was held at the Falls City Library and Arts Center. One of the stars of that show was the herpetologist's largest snake Maggie, who weighs 155 pounds.