Pittsfield Elementary School welcomed a special guest reader, Ann Arbor Mayor John Heiftje, to kick off their Read-In this afternoon.

The Mayor read three short selections of stories and poems to the school-wide assembly in their Multi-Purpose Room, answering an invitation from Pittsfield PTO representative Amy Pufahl to attend.

Hieftje spoke with students about some of his favorite books and what it is like to be a city mayor. Afterwards, students asked questions and commented on what they heard.

The final illustrated children's book read by Mayor Hieftje - Michael Recylce Meets Litterbug Doug by Ellie Betel - had an anti-littering message prompting many comments about litter, nature, and the environment during a question-and-answer session.

The one exception was a question on The White House. When asked if he'd ever been, Hieftje mentioned his hope of meeting President Obama on his upcoming visit to Ann Arbor, generating considerable buzz in the young, excited crowd.

The Mayor got a big round of applause from his appreciative audience as he wrapped up and thanked his hosts.

Part of the AAPS school’s March Is Reading Month celebration, the Read-In brought all Pittsfield grades together, stretched out with blankets and pillows, to read for an hour.

Ann Farnham is a community volunteer, personal organizer, and mother of two who loves to read aloud to anyone who will listen. Follow her at Ann of Ann Arbor.