Within a 3-hour radius of Glenwood, MN, I offer my presentations free of charge, with an optional $150 travel stipend. In return, I ask schools to send home book order forms ahead of time, and promote the author visit by reading portions of my books to their classes.

Here's a little bit about the presentations; each one runs approximately 45 minutes:

Groups in grades K-2:  With this age group, it's all about having fun while creating our own story together. Starting with a "seed," a picture, we grow a story flower together, illustrating how a story is constructed and how much fun it can be to get creative. I always make sure to leave time for questions and answers. If there's time at the end, I have a special treat to share with students -- a short movie showing how my illustrator made the pictures for our book, "The Captain's Hat." Kids see the pictures grow from idea to illustration right before their eyes!

Groups in grades 3-6:  With this age group, it's also about having fun while creating our own story together, with the added dimension of getting it published. Using a fun and informative PowerPoint and audience participation, we travel from scribbles in a notebook, to typed manuscript, to mock-up book, to the real thing. It's a bumpy ride, but worth the work! Like the K-2 presentation, I make sure to leave time for a Q & A session.

Groups in grades 7-12: With this age group, I focus on the nuts and bolts of writing, as well as the different routes each of my books has taken on the road to publication. We also explore the importance of creativity and where ideas come from. I leave plenty of time for Q & A, especially for groups of older students.

If these presentations sound like they'd be a good fit for your students, contact me to check availability. Once we get a date set, I'll send you PDF files by email with information and order forms, as well as sample copies of the books.

Faythe Mills, the illustrator of The Captain's Hat and The Adventures of Molly & Skunky, is also available for joint school visits including illustration activities. Please email me for details!

Thanks for your interest in having me visit with your students! Please email me with any questions.