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Making the Ordinary...Extraordinary

Professor Watermelon inspires children through interactive storytimes, creative writing adventures, and immersive educational experiences that spark imagination and nurture creativity.

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George and the Goblin Hole coverHerbert coverFrank's Perfect Pet cover
10,000+Students Inspired
300+Schools & Libraries
1,000+Classes & Events

In-Person Experiences

Engaging programs designed to nurture creativity and inspire young learners.

0130 minutes
Preschool & Elementary

Storytimes

Interactive storytimes that promote read-aloud engagement.

  • Curated books
  • Educational props & puppets
  • Songs & movement
Schedule
021 hour
After School Programs

Creative Writing & Drawing

Hands-on workshops where children express ideas through storytelling and art.

  • Plot development
  • Character creation
  • Illustration techniques
Schedule
031 week
Ages 6–12

Summer Camp

A weeklong creative adventure of writing, drawing, and storytelling.

  • Daily writing workshops
  • Illustration & art projects
  • End-of-week showcase
Schedule
043 hours
All Ages

Watermelon University

An immersive experience at iconic Indianapolis locations. Young learners gather for hands-on educational adventures that blend history, creative writing and drawing.

  • Tours of iconic locations
  • Hands-on learning
  • Creative writing & drawing instruction
  • Experiential learning
Schedule
05Half or full day
Educators & Schools

Teacher Trainings & Workshops

Looking to bring Professor Watermelon's methodology to your entire school? Contact Professor Watermelon for teacher trainings & workshops.

  • Classroom-ready strategies
  • Story craft fundamentals
  • Staff development sessions
Schedule

Books by Professor Watermelon

Herbert book cover

Herbert

A fly who makes honey sets out for the Honeycomb Palace, discovering along the way that life beyond the dump isn't so black and white.

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Frank's Perfect Pet book cover

Frank's Perfect Pet

Frank hunts for the perfect pet, and one unlikely candidate at a time, learns that perfect isn't always what you expect.

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George and the Goblin Hole book cover

George and the Goblin Hole

A museum tour turns magical when George uncovers a goblin plot to unleash a creature that erases books from history.

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From the Community

What reporters, educators, and organizations have written about Professor Watermelon.

“
Like a millennial Mister Rogers, Professor Watermelon leans in, excitedly nodding as the children reel off their ideas in rapid fire. A palpable enthusiasm gives the classroom a joyful energy and the “professor” a rockstar-like presence.
Jami StallNo Mean City
“Both our students and staff thoroughly enjoyed the experience with Professor Watermelon. We would like to thank United Way of Delaware County and Meridian Health Services for offering our students the opportunity to be a part of such a dynamic and educational program.”
Ana PichardoMuncie Community Schools
“If you’ve never attended one of his classes, it’s a lively and informative performance — we highly recommend it.”
Midwest Writers Workshopteaching adults to write for children.
“The children were riveted by the poems and stories Gillenwater shared.”
Muncie JournalDay of Action coverage
“Children across Indiana know him as bow-tied Professor Watermelon, the performance name he uses when he travels to schools, libraries, museums, summer camps and historic sites.”
Hoosier History LiveIndiana history radio program

In the News

An archive of news, features, and interviews from along the Professor Watermelon journey — most recent first.

Do317 / James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home2026

Creative Writing Summer Camp returns to the Riley Museum Home

Registration opens for both 2026 sessions of the Creative Writing Summer Camp led by Professor Watermelon.

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Midwest Writers Workshop2025

Introducing Me Publishing Me faculty: Chadwick Gillenwater

A faculty spotlight ahead of the Me Publishing Me virtual self-publishing conference.

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Hamilton East Public Library2025

HEPL Local Author Fair 2025

Professor Watermelon joins Indiana authors for a free, open-house celebration of local writing.

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Hoosier History Live2023

Professor Watermelon on Indiana history

Chadwick Gillenwater joins host Nelson Price on WICR to talk about bringing Indiana history to life for children.

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Midwest Writers Workshop2023

Put the Kids in Charge!

A faculty interview on the tools and techniques behind teaching children to write for children.

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Indy Public Library Foundation2020

Preschool program goes virtual

How the Professor Watermelon preschool workshops moved online to keep families reading and writing together.

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Professor Watermelon
Professor Watermelon

Meet Professor Watermelon

WWhat started as a passion for inspiring young minds has grown into a beloved community of learners, educators, and families who believe in the power of imagination.

Professor Watermelon's unique approach transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary adventures, helping children discover that the most magical stories come from within themselves.

Today, we serve hundreds of students across Indiana through storytimes, workshops, and our signature Watermelon University experiences—and now, educators everywhere through our on-demand courses.

Get in Touch

Whether you're a parent looking to enroll your child, a school seeking creative programming, or an educator wanting to learn my approach—I'd love to hear from you.

Email Meprof.watermelon@gmail.comCall Me317-200-6029
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Professor Watermelon

Inspiring children through interactive storytimes, creative writing adventures, and immersive educational experiences.

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ProgramsMorning StorytimesCreative Writing & Drawing ClassesWatermelon UniversitySummer CampTeacher Trainings
Contactprof.watermelon@gmail.com317-200-6029Indianapolis, Indiana
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