Hello. Just want to
let everyone know that I am always booking school visits.
I love meeting my readers.
The hardest part of my job is working alone day after day. Being able to spend time in a school with
hundreds of laughing students is always a joy, and a great way to remember why
I do what I do!
My high-energy presentation focuses on the making of a
book. I start with ideas, sketches and
rough drafts then move onto re-writes and finally to the illustration
process. I also do a live drawing demo for
the students, and if there’s time, have the students draw along with me. I always end with a Q and A so the kids get a
chance to ask me anything they want.
I stress the importance of writing and re-writing over and
over until the work is the best it can be, and let the kids know that even a
“pro” gets things wrong.
I have presented in single classrooms and in very large
auditoriums, and feel comfortable talking to groups of any size.
I will gladly speak to any age group, but feel that my
presentation is best for K-6. When
speaking to older students, I essentially do the same talk, but I add more
details, and sometimes discuss the frustrations and difficulties of making
books.
I also have a presentation based on parody. I guide the students through the creation of
modern parodies, discuss the “rules” of parody, and then we write and draw our
own together. We also discuss how anyone
can make something funny.
If you are interested in a visit, please contact me for
rates and availability. I live in NJ, and have travelled to schools all across
the country. If fees are a concern, I can offer discounted rates if multiple
schools can be booked for visits.
