Plain and simple I love to talk with kids.

I love to hear about the things they find funny,
scary, weird, happy, sad, difficult, easy, exciting, or boring.
I love to share my thoughts about writing and illustrating
with them in the hope that maybe one of them may
be inspired to create something wonderful of their very own.

CURRENT SCHEDULING STATUS -- I am now booking school visits for the 2008-2009 school year and beyond. If you are interested in having me visit your school or would just like some information, please drop a note into my e-mail and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

PRESENTATIONS -- (K thru 6) During a full day visit I will do up to three 45-60 minute sessions. Each session is unique. There is a lot of audience participation. I call on the children to suggest characters for a story that has never existed before. I create drawings at every session (on a pad and easel I provide unless I fly to your location) I also get the children to join me in creating some artwork of their own. The emphasis is on imagination and using it to create a story from start to finish. Along the way we see how words and pictures can work together to bring the story to life. I use a lot of improvisation techniques and a repertoire of silly voices, zany mannerisms, and goofy jokes to pull it all together and hopefully the children will leave with more ideas than they came in with. Finally, I will answer questions from the children and teachers.

I love to sign books for the kids. If you would like to include a book-signing session during the day please allow enough time.

I am somewhat flexible, so if there is some other activity that you would like to include as part of the special day for the kids I would be happy to discuss it with you.

(Educator's Groups) I am also available to speak with teachers, librarians, administrators, etc...My presentation for adults involves a slide presentation of my work as well as a discussion of how my books might be utilized in the classroom.

MY BASIC NEEDS -- A table, some bottled water, and a microphone are all I require for most presentations. (If I am flying to where you are I will need a presentation easel with big sheets of paper) My presentation works for all sizes of groups as well as different ages. It might be better but not essential, however, to group the children according to age group. I will need about 15-30 minutes between presentations to regroup and rest my voice a bit.

SUCCESSFUL VISITS -- The most important element to a successful event is the student's familiarity with the books I have written. It is important that the teachers make the books available to the children and make sure that they are read and discussed. THIS WILL MAKE THE DAY MUCH MORE IMPORTANT AND VALUABLE TO THE KIDS.

SOME OTHER SUGGESTIONS:

>>Related art and writing projects

>>Possible questions for me can be discussed with the children ahead of time

>>Teachers and aids are welcome to attend the sessions so they can have follow-up discussions and activities

>>Parents are welcome

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