Gabriel Koby and Bolt at home (l.) and an advance look at next month’s Highlights cover page that includes Gabriel’s drawing of Bolt.
By Anthony Coelho
Observer Intern
Highlights for Children, a popular children’s magazine that has been circulating since 1946, will be publishing a drawing by 8-year old Gabriel Koby of Roosevelt School in Kearny in its November 2013 issue.
Annually, Highlights receives more than 35,000 submissions from their readers worldwide. The company selects boys and girls of all ages and showcases a sample of their work, hoping to cultivate children’s creativity. With their motto being, “Fun with a Purpose,” Highlights has devoted itself to being the average child’s favorite magazine. The magazine recently celebrated the printing of their one-billionth copy.
After reviewing children’s responses, Monica, Gabriel’s mother, decided to submit a drawing of his that depicted his Maltese dog named Bolt. The drawing was sent by mail last summer.
Months later, Monica received an e-mail congratulating Gabriel on his placement in the “What Are You Thankful For” section of the magazine. His drawing will also be featured on the front cover of the November issue.
“We’re so excited for him! He’s always writing papers and drawing pictures of Bolt,” said Monica. “We plan on sending more drawings to Highlights in the future, too.”
Monica—who is a professional Brazilian jazz singer— drew a lot as a little girl. She and Bolt remain Gabriel’s biggest inspirations in what he does.
“I’ve always encouraged Gabriel to draw and do arts and crafts,” Monica said. “As a matter of fact, we have a room dedicated to arts and crafts. We even create things from recycled materials.”
When Gabriel isn’t drawing or coloring, he enjoys playing Baseball for the Brady, Brady & Reilly recreational baseball team. He also spends much of his time playing soccer, and videogames such as Minecraft and World of Blocks.
With dreams of attending Yale and becoming a video game designer when he grows up, Gabriel seems to have a lot on his plate for the average 8-year old. Despite that, he still manages to pull it off with no problem.
