School Visits

The super-power of a picture book comes from the balance between showing and telling. The fact that all of that power generally rests in a mere 24 or 32 pages makes the format very accessible to kids.  So accessible, in fact, that most children look at the brief, picture-packed format and think "That looks easy, I could write a book like that!"  And they can!    But it's not as easy as it looks.  In my presentations, I break the process down into logical, easy to follow steps.  I also show where the super power lies and how much fun it is to harness it!

KINDERGARTEN  (30 - 40 minutes)

I show the children my books and talk about where the idea for each one originated. Then, before reading "Nell's Elf", I talk a bit about imagination and share the “auditioning” process used to find just the right elf to star in the book. I also show the real elf hat I made to help bring my imaginary elf to life.

We end with an interactive drawing demonstration of facial expressions because, as I explain while drawing,  being able to show a character's emotions is essential to creating characters that readers will care about.

First through sixth grade ( 50 to 60 minutes)

I begin the presentation by speaking briefly about how and why I became an author and illustrator and what my work life is like.   I share a bit about each of the books, explaining where the ideas for each originated.

Then, at an age appropriate level, I explain:

1) How important preparation and research are for even the simplest books.  I bring along actual props from some of the books and samples of reference photographs.  

2) How following a logical creative process makes it much easier to take an idea out of your head and shape it into a picture book.  I share examples of each step and explain how they build on each other.

3) How if I want my book to be the best book it can possibly be (and I DO!  I truly DO!), I must be willing to do any or all of the steps over again…and again…and again….

4) What the role of Editors and Art Directors are and how important it is for authors and illustrators to seek out and welcome constructive criticism. 

The presentation ends with an interactive drawing exercise that kids love.  For this, I ask the class a series of questions to generate a fairly wordy opening text for a picture book.  Then, on a large pad of paper, using the information they've provided, I create an illustration for this opening.  We then edit the original text, and by the time we finish this last step, the kids have a better understanding of the power between the words and pictures in a picture book.  (I sign these illustrations and leave them with the school.)

We end with a question and answer session.

THE DAY OF THE VISIT

I arrive by 9 am and will do up to 4 presentations in a day.  I prefer to stay in one room and have the children rotate in, as I have paraphernalia to set up between each session,    (I know that not all schools have a dedicated room that can accommodate larger groups, so I can travel if necessary.)  All I require is a long table next to where I'll be standing and a clip-on microphone if it's a large group.  Note:  groups of fewer than sixty work best for interaction.