Video: Famous Cookie Maker Champions Literacy At Tupelo School

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TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – A well known entrepreneur , author and cook took time out of his schedule to visit with some students at a Tupelo elementary school, where he encouraged youngsters to develop their reading skills and dream big. WCBI’s Allie Martin has more.

Wally Amos is right at home with a group of kids.

He spent part of his morning reading to students at Parkway Elementary. For more than three decades the famous cookie maker has been a champion of literacy.

“When the reader embraces the book and becomes the characters in the book, that gets the attention of the child and then they learn to appreciate books and to read themselves,” Amos said.

Wally also interjects life lessons as he reads a Dr. Seuss book.

His message is straightforward, reading is a foundation of life and future success.

“Nothing happens in your life is you can’t read, everything happens when you learn to read and you appreciate reading, so reading is the concrete slab of life,” Amos said.

Before he left, Wally handed out samples of his cookies, his company is called “The Cookie Kahuna” and he says it’s the original taste that made him famous.

He made a lasting impression on students and staff.

“He was kind of silly, but he teaches us good lessons,” said First Grader Mac Wilemon.

“He said, when you open a book it’s the meaning of life,” said First Grader Haleigh Jones.

“What I hope they take away from this is an excitement about reading, we hope it makes them want to read a little bit more,” said Principal Mitzi Moore.

They may also want more of his cookies.

“They were the best,! ” Wilemon said.

Wally Amos was brought in by “Our Mississippi” Magazine to speak at their corporate gala Saturday night. If you want more information on Mr Amos, go to www.TheCookieKahuna.com