"I think she really likes her job, Mom, don't you?" -- Matthew, Age 7
Click here to read what kids are saying about my school visits.
I am available for booksignings, conference presentations, school visits, festival appearances and anything else you can think of that involves children's books. Click here to see my current speaking schedule.
My talks for kids:
What Every Author Needs: Comfy Slippers, a Notepad and a Duck -- Oops, I Mean Character, Plot and Setting
I bring a backpack stuffed with a duck, a troll, a tutu, comfy slippers, a baseball and a notepad and pen, all of which happen to play roles in my picture book, A Story with Pictures. Kids will directly participate in the reading of A Story with Pictures and learn a lot about character, setting and problem/solution in the process.
Of Mice and Magnificent Things
I read my short story, "Marvin's Museum of Magnificent Things" (Highlights, 2003) and we talk about entrepreneurship, individuality (character) and the value of special things. For Grades K-2, I will also read Jake's Lemonade Stand. This talk addresses economics topics, especially the reality of the marketplace, the law of demand, the meaning of "value," and the role of creativity in our society (specific discussion points vary depending on the age of the audience).
Just the Stories, Ma'am
Sometimes it's nice to just listen to stories. I will let the students choose from my best short stories, including "Marvin's Museum of Magnificent Things," a story of entrepreneurship and the value of special things, "The Best Game on Earth," a story of aliens and baseball, "The Basement Ghost," a story of friendship, fear and laundry, and "Mamma Mia's World-Famous Half-Moon Pizza," a story of family traditions and great food, and more.
My talks for adults:
The Art of Writing for Children
I talk about what engages children -- what makes them laugh -- and why it can take years to write a picture book. See my "For Writers" page to learn more about my philosophy of writing for children.
The Business of Writing for Children
Query letters, cover letters, agents, editors, advances, royalties, contracts and more.
Helping Your Child Learn to Read and (more importantly) Love Books
As a parent, educator and author of 19 easy readers for grades K-3 (17 are forthcoming with McGraw-Hill), I've learned a bit about helping children learn to read. I'll share what I know about how the industry generates easy readers, how to help children understand books, and how to take the long-run view of the whole process. After all, the real goal is to have a child who's still reading in high school!
My Fees:
(All visits include complimentary, signed copies of A Story with Pictures, Jake's Lemonade Stand, Jake's Toad House, and Jake's Bird Feeder.)
One hour-long talk or reading: $200.
Half-day school visit, up to 3 presentations: $450.
Full-day school visit, up to 6 presentations: $750.
For visits that require an overnight stay, I charge a $250 premium plus hotel, mileage and/or plane fare.
Click Contact Me to discuss.
You can also book me through the Children's Literature Author and Illustrator Booking Service -- they're pros who can help make your event stress-free!
Funding an author visit:
Many PTA's pay for author visits by selling the author's books. If you have a school visit scheduled with me, you can order my books at a discount from my publishers. If you sell the books at full retail price, you will be able to pay my fee by selling about 100 of them.
Click here to order my books at a discount from Holiday House
Or click here for a listing of literacy grants.
Equipment:
I generally do not need a microphone but you know your space best. If the room is so large that everyone needs a microphone, then I will need one, too. I would also like a table to hold my props.
Other logistics:
I do ask for a signed contract before visiting a school. This contract simply lays out the details mentioned above and binds the school or event organizers to timely payment.
I will also need lots of water over the course of the day. Tap is fine.
Click here for Tony Buzzeo's tips for hosting a great school visit!
To ask questions or book a talk or school visit:
Click on the Contact Me link.
