The lifelong impact of caring educators was on display in Apple Valley earlier this year when a New York Times Bestselling author returned to his elementary school to read his new children’s book to students from his hometown.

Brent H. Robinson visited Desert Knolls Elementary School on Read Across America Day (March 2) to read from “Ferguson’s Forest,” delivering a signed copy to every first-grade student at the school. Robinson said the experience was surreal.

Every first grade student received a signed copy of Robinson’s new book on Read Across America Day in March.

“Returning to my hometown to read my first children’s book to students who were sitting in the same spot I sat as a child was a dream come true for me,” he says. “I was truly honored.”

Robinson was invited to read at Desert Knolls by his former second-grade teacher, Martha Lopez, a member of Apple Valley Unified Teachers Association (AVUTA). She says the event was a treat for her students and heartwarming for her as well.

“These are the teachers who started my education journey and made me appreciate how important education is in a child’s life.”

“The kids were excited to meet a real live author and get a signed book and bookmark, and I was a very proud teacher that day knowing one of my students was not only successful, but generous and kindhearted to return to his hometown, give back and share his life experience,” says Lopez. “He is an inspiration.”

Robins on says he remembers Lopez fondly, explaining that her unique personality and special sense of humor stayed with him throughout his life.

“Mrs. Lopez made me realize as a child that if you’re comfortable being yourself, you can achieve whatever you put your mind to in life,” he says.

Lopez had a surprise for Robinson, bringing his kindergarten, first and third-grade teachers — Shaun Rickerl, Mary Swanson (retired) and Marie Vastine, members of AVUTA — for a touching moment.

“When I saw each of them standing there, my entire world shifted with delight,” Robinson says. “These are the teachers who started my educational journey and made me appreciate how important education is in a child’s life.” An accomplished author of mystery novels and screenplays, Robinson’s “Ferguson’s Forest” is his first children’s book, about animals and nature. He and his family run the non-profit Robinson Foundation, focused on spreading environmental awareness, fighting animal cruelty and assisting struggling communities. The book is the first in a series he plans to pen on the adventures of the main character, Ferguson.

Robinson is grateful for the support, guidance and love he received from his primary educators.

“To Mrs. Lopez, Mrs. Rickerl, Mrs. Swanson and Mrs. Vastine, thank you for giving me the knowledge and resources that built my skills and characteristics to create my art that inspires the world and future generations to come,” says Robinson, whose books are available at brenthrobinson.com. “I am thankful for each of you and every educator that came after in my life. I am truly blessed for all of you.”

Lopez was excited to see the successful life her former student has built since leaving her second-grade classroom.

“Teachers will always be your biggest cheerleaders, even when you’re fully grown,” she says.