School Visits
There is nothing more rewarding to an author than seeing and hearing that their books are being read, enjoyed, discussed and read again. That's why I love visiting schools and classrooms. Seeing young faces light up, sharing in their laughter, responding to their questions, and marveling at their writings or the hallway artwork that has been inspired by my books. That's why I visit schools!
CURRENT SCHEDULING STATUS--Because I am currently booked through the school years 2007-08 and 08-09, I am not currently scheduling any new school visits until further notice on this page. Thank you for your interest!!!
PRESENTATIONS During a full day visit I will do up to three sessions, 50 minutes in length or two sessions in a half-day. In a typical session I tell briefly how I became an author, talk about how ideas become stories and how stories become books. I read a couple of my stories, discuss the illustrations and show how I take things from my daily life and weave them into the book. I bring in appropriate props and often get some children up front helping me. I create drawings during each session (on a pad and easel I provide unless I fly to your location.) Presentations to grades 3-6 differ from grades K-2 by emphasizing the writing and book making process for the older children. Finally, I take questions from the children and teachers.
MY BASIC NEEDS A chair, long table and bottled water are my only presentation requirements. I need at least 15 minutes between sessions to regroup my materials. Because of the quantity of props I use, it is best that I set up just once, preferably in the media center, and have groups arrive and depart on a schedule. For larger groups, a gym or cafetorium is acceptable. But if at all possible, a carpeted space is best for sound quality. The sessions should be by grade level (or near grade levels if combinations are necessary) and may be as large as you can fit into the space. The children should be seated on the floor.
SUCCESSFUL VISITS The Southern California Children's Booksellers Association said it best in their guidebook for author visits: "The success of your event will depend on your students' familiarity with your guest's books. It is necessary for you to assume the responsibility of making the books available to the youngsters and seeing to it that they are read and discussed." It is only after some years of experience with these visits that I offer the following observations, however obvious some of them may seem:
» The more preparation the children have, the more they will get from the experience.
» Related art and writing projects are encouraged.
» Possible questions for me can be discussed ahead of time.
» Teachers and aids should attend the sessions with their children so that effective follow-up discussions and activities can be enhanced.
» Other faculty, staff and parents are invited to sit in on any sessions.
» I am there for the children, not to discuss with the adults how to get published.
» Please stress the importance of everyone sticking to the schedule so everyone can get the most out of my time. If the date becomes conflicted with any other major school event, it is better to reschedule the visit than to try "working around it." Please!
AUTOGRAPHS I'm always happy to sign as many books as you have. I will stay as long as needed after hours and sign books all at once, to be returned to students the next day. All sales should be transacted before the signing. Have a slip of paper or post-it note in each book with the name to be inscribed printed legibly and the teacher's name. A big table with elbowroom is best. I do not autograph scraps of paper, tee shirts or students' hands. I ask that you discourage this before my arrival.
SELLING BOOKS The decision to have or sell books is up to you. I do not carry inventory with me nor will I handle orders. You can, however, obtain books from my publishers or arrange with a local bookstore to supply you. Most publishers offer a 40% discount and take back unsold copies. Bookstores generally offer less discount but absorb any shipping costs. You may choose to pass the discount on to your buyers or use the sales for fund-raising. PUBLISHERS LIKE SIX TO EIGHT WEEKS TO FILL YOUR ORDER. Be sure to get books in time enough to properly label them for autographing. Please ask me for current ordering information.
FEES Fees will be quoted upon request. Expenses may include mileage, lodging, meals and air travel when necessary.
| About the author | Questions from kids | About the books |
| A step-by-step look at how I illustrate | Work in progress |
| Visit my writing group | A cat that loves reading??? |
| Flat Stanley visits my web site | Kids' art gallery |
| What's new? | Pictures to color! | Huggly bookmark |