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Art (c) Howard Fine
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I love to share my books with children and adults! I am available for school, library, and writing conference presentations. All of my programs are fun and interactive, and can be tailored to meet your particular needs.
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PROGRAMS FOR SCHOOLS
WHAT’S THE PIG IDEA?
Grades K-2
In this interactive session, I discuss with young students how words become ideas, and how ideas become stories. This program includes The ABC’s of Ideas game, a visit from my friendly pig puppet, and a lively reading from BED HOGS.
NO BONES ABOUT IT
WRITING IS T-RIFIC FUN!
Grades 2-3
In this session, students will learn how to dig up words, excavate details, and unearth new ideas in an entertaining demonstration that uses a variety of fun props to teach important storytelling elements. This program also features a real fossilized dinosaur egg and a reading from DINOSNORES.
DETAILS! DETAILS! DETAILS!
Grades 2-5
Pay attention! To details, that is. This program shares some star-spangled tips for writing winning stories. Kids will learn how unique details can transform weary stories into WOW! Includes some fun, funky facts about U.S. presidents and a reading from New York Times bestseller, GRACE FOR PRESIDENT.
WICKEDLY WONDERFUL, OUTRAGEOUSLY ROTTEN POETRY
NEW!
Grades 3-5
Roses are dead. Zombies are blue. Poetry is fun. Really. It’s true! This frightfully fun session introduces boys and ghouls to a variety of poetry forms and concludes with a dreadful monster sing-along from SIPPING SPIDERS THROUGH A STRAW.
KNICKKNACKS, CRITTERS,
AND WHATNOTS:
Fancy-Shmancy Writing Tips for Young Whippersnappers
Grades 3-5
Heaven’s to Bellybuttons! In this humdinger of a session I teach little nippers how to be creative, S-T-R-E-T-C-H their imaginations, and use their noggins to find their own unique writing voice. You can bet your monkey’s uncle this presentation includes an eye-poppin, heart-stoppin’ reading from MRS. MCBLOOM, CLEAN UP YOUR CLASSROOM!
***Programs above include an informative, entertaining PowerPoint presentation called - HOW A BOOK IS BORN!
SUPER TRAITS!
SUPER WRITERS!
NEW!
Grades 2-5
Put on your red cape and sharpen your pencils! Using a superhero theme and my picture books, I discuss the 6+1 Traits of Writing with students. Ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, conventions and presentation are all highlighted in this supercharged, super fun assembly that will empower and transform students’ writing skills.
PROGRAMS FOR WRITERS
WHAT’S SO FUNNY?
Writing Humor For Children
It’s been said that you can’t teach someone how to be funny, but you can teach someone how to be funnier. In this session, on crafting humorous picture books, I discuss different comic elements such as repetition, switches, exaggeration, extremes, nonconformity, character, and wordplay using examples from children’s literature. Learn how to develop your comedic voice, and fine-tune your funny bone, through observation, reading, and writing exercises. Just like The Cat in the Hat said, “It’s fun to have fun but you have to know how!”
Required materials: Pen, paper, and a sense of humor.
THE WORST-CASE SCENARIO SURVIVAL GUIDE TO CHILDREN’S PUBLISHING
Surviving the 'puppy-eat-puppy' world of children’s publishing may not be as perilous as swimming with sharks or fending off hungry grizzly bears, but it's close! In this presentation, I share some insider’s secrets to not only surviving, but succeeding, in the wild world of children’s publishing. Lessons include: HOW TO PULL YOURSELF OUT OF THE SLUSH PILE, HOW TO HUNT DOWN AN AGENT, and HOW TO BUILD A CAMPFIRE USING REJECTION LETTERS. Don't get caught unprepared!
The life of your manuscript could depend on it!
PROGRAMS FOR LIBRARIES
MEET THE AUTHOR STORYTIME
In this 50-minute program designed for children and families, I talk about my job as a children's author. I explain where I get my ideas, how ideas becomes stories, and finally, how stories become published books. Each session includes a reading from one of my books, a sneak-peek at future releases, and a question-and-answer segment. This program can also include a book sale and autographing session.
KIDS ARE AUTHORS, TOO!
Calling all young authors! You don't have to be a grown-up to write your own book. In this 50-minute workshop geared for creative children ages 5-12, I discuss elements of good storytelling, including character, setting, problem, and solution, using a variety of fun props and demonstrations. Each young author will receive their very own blank, hardcover book to write in, and illustrate! Material fees extra.
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Kelly performing at the Target Children's Book Festival in Kensington Park.
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Kelly signing a book for a young customer at Borders Books.
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DISCOUNTED BOOK ORDERS:
Schools are often eligible for discounts on the purchase of author books. You can pass this discount on to your students, or you can use the profits as a school fundraiser. When you place your book order, be sure to indicate that you are hosting an author event at your school so you can take advantage of these special discount offers.
There are three ways you can purchase my books for your upcoming school visit:
1. Order individual titles directly from the publisher- Most publishers offer schools a 40% discount on book orders and accept returns. To order BED HOGS, LIBERTY'S JOURNEY, MRS.MCBLOOM, CLEAN UP YOUR CLASSROOM, GRACE FOR PRESIDENT, WHAT'S THE MAGIC WORD, and DINOSNORES, please click here for book ordering information.
Art (c) Richard Egielski
To order SIPPING SPIDERS THROUGH A STRAW from Scholastic, please click HERE.
Art (c) Marsha Winborn
2. Order all titles from an online bookstore - Most online stores discount their books and orders can be shipped directly to your school or home. Some online stores like amazon.com even offer free shipping on qualified orders.
3. Order all titles directly from your local bookstore - Bookstores generally offer smaller discounts, but shipping costs are avoided, and book order pick-ups are convenient. Be sure to ask your local bookseller to double-check availability on all titles before student order forms are sent home and ask them to explain their return policy on any unsold titles.
For helpful tips on how to make your author visit a big success, please visit children's author, Toni Buzzeo's website. Author Wish List Tip Sheet
Mr. Weiner's second grade class at Beck Centennial Elementary selected BED HOGS as their book of choice for March Reading Month.
Read what people
are saying:
"A teacher of over 30 years said Kelly's visit was the best author visit she has ever seen!" --Denise Rader, 3rd grade teacher, Country Oaks Elementary, MI
"Kelly's presentation was right on target for each grade level. Her PowerPoint was helpful and informative. She used props that entertained and kept the students' attention. I would highly recommend Kelly to any school who wants an enthusiastic author. She is practical and well prepared. She relates to the children with ease. She is patient and takes time to listen to the students and answer their questions. Kelly's visit to our classes was the highlight of our school year!" --Charlotte Damewood, 2nd grade teacher, Rush Strong School, TN
"Your visit to Kingsbury was truly "grand". We now not only love your books, but you as well." --Jane Saxon, Library Director, Kingsbury School, MI
Kelly with a real life Mrs. McBloom - Mrs. McGlumphy, a fourth grade teacher from Taylor Road Elementary in Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
Kelly with some great students from Thomas A. Edison Elementary in Fort Gratiot, Michigan.
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To arrange a visit to your school, library, or writing conference E-Me for fees and availability.
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